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by kpil
2908 days ago
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I don't think you are totally fair - the Wallenbergs started as bankers, caught a chance during the Krüger crash and became quite pivotal industrialists and have a large part in the exceptional growth in Sweden during the 20th century. But sure, they are capitalist, and the last 20-30 years they have run out of their industrialist steam, as everyone else in Sweden (or should I say the west) . Maybe especially so since Peter Wallenberg passed away - he publicly stated that he was not especially keen on starting EQT but also saw that "everyone else" were running similar operations. I don't think EQT are crooks - they probably come out rather good in comparison, but if you dislike the privatization in the healthcare and education sectors, I think you should blame the politicians not the businessmen. |
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When the Swedish government wants to cancel an illegal weapons deal with Saudi Arabia, which was initiated by a delegation headed by the crown princess, they reconsider after pressure from Marcus Wallenberg (which later blows up in everyone's faces). When Obama visits Sweden, the first order of business is to honor Raoul Wallenberg. When the prime ministers wife, responsible for health care in Stockholm, quits politics she joins the Wallenberg health care business her own party have been essentially selling hospitals to. It is Marcus Wallenberg who invites Swedish politicians and lobbyists to the Bilderberg meetings. Fredrik Reinfeldt went on their private jet before he was prime minister. Jacob Wallenberg is on the board of Svenskt Näringsliv, the main lobby for privatization, which was until recently headed by Leif Östling who of course is also on the board of EQT.
It is not a conspiracy, at least not a very exciting one. They are just very influential and they use that influence to enrich themselves. Hence the allegation of being crony capitalists.