Swedes Riled Up by King’s Words on Work Ethic

Some Swedes were in an uproar Friday over their king’s unprecedented comment that the Swedish work ethic leaves something to be desired.

“I suppose that we maybe should think about the Swedish work ethic and try and improve it in one way or the other. I assume we’re all aware that it is not the best,” King Carl XVI Gustaf, 44, told Dagens Industri in an interview Thursday.

The Swedish monarch very rarely speaks out on political or controversial matters.

Reaction came swiftly. Some people agreed with the king but others suggested he was speaking for himself and his acquaintances.

“I wonder if he ever tried to work himself,” said librarian Anna Simkutte, labeling the royal comment “utmost rubbish.”

“I suppose that the king makes his statement from the circles where he dwells himself. In that case, that’s an interesting insight into those circles,” the Aftonbladet newspaper quoted labor federation spokesman Staffan Kellerborg as saying.

A shoe repairman, who did not give his name, told the Associated Press he agreed with the king, to some extent.

“There are supposed to be people who can live well between four to eight years without lifting a finger,” he said. “But I think that the majority works.”

Critics have said the generous Swedish system for sick leave, holidays and unemployment insurance encourages absenteeism and makes some Swedish products too expensive.