[fifilura]

Yeah they also invested in Dutch natural gas which was a catastropic deal.

I think the relationship between the government and Vattenfall is heavily regulated so that they can't micromanage and have to set high profit goals for the company. It is probably required so that it does not interfere with market economy.

[actionfromafar]

Articles at the time seem to disagree about the "without political oversight" part, focusing on the political nature of the decision:

https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/vasterbotten/olofsson-varn...

They might have invested in nuclear if they didn't buy coal, couldn't have that.

Also, I think the largest cash deal in Swedish history is something that is just moving along together with the new coffee machine for the lobby, without political oversight.

The decision also went by the prime minister, although he at first disputed it:

https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maud_Olofsson

https://www.svd.se/a/Rxl708/drev-igenom-tva-av-sveriges-abso...

https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/olofsson-vagrar-svara-pa-...

https://sverigesradio.se/artikel/5861519