The Swedish town of Timrå has seen a dramatic decline in state presence over the past two decades, raising concerns among residents about access to essential services and a sense of civic trust. Once a hub for government jobs, the community now finds itself largely removed from the nation’s administrative map, a trend mirrored in rural areas across the country as positions consolidate in major cities.
“The police, we haven’t seen them in a long time. They show up sometimes for an hour or so,” said Timrå resident Stefan Löfstedt.
“It would be better if there was something here too, something you can reach,” added Meetha Kalcik, another Timrå resident. Their comments reflect a growing frustration with the increasing distance between citizens and government services.
Jobs Shift to Major Cities
A recent investigation by SVT revealed a significant increase in state employment between 2004 and 2024, with 75,000 new jobs created across Swedish government agencies and administrations. However, this growth hasn’t been evenly distributed. The trend clearly shows jobs are increasingly concentrated in larger urban centers. The SVT report details this shift and its impact on communities like Timrå.
The decline in state jobs underscores a broader challenge for rural areas seeking to maintain economic vitality and provide adequate services to their populations.
Private Sector Investment Proposed
Timrå’s municipal councilor, Stefan Dalin (S), believes attracting private companies to the area is a potential solution. The move could help offset the loss of state employment and revitalize the local economy.
