Leif Pagrotsky (2017)

Thanks for remembering my visit to your school a long time ago! My views haven't changed on that issue, but what to do about it?
This is a billion dollar question. I wish I knew. What do you think?

Polls are more reliable than my personal impression as I don't live in Europe.

It was very tough in the Cabinet meetings but the opposite among people outside.

Yes, that's the best answer to Ukvemsord's question.

The effect so far has been in the form of worries and uncertainties about the future, but I don't think it has had an impact on reality yet.

Ordinary Swedes don't know about the fake narrative that Sweden is on the verge of collapse, and would not recognize it if they knew about it. The reality is so different that such statements sound absurd to us. Sweden is in good shape, the economy grows twice as fast as that of the US, employment is the highest in Europe and growing, crime rates are on a level Americans can only dream of, the budget and foreign trade are both in very big surpluses. If that's called a collapse, I suppose many countries would vote for it.

1. I think it’s an exciting contest and great entertainment if you don’t take it too seriously. The final vote count is a real nail biter and it engages hundreds of millions of people in forty or fifty countries. I like the idea that so many people come together irrespective of country or language around the same music. I don't think it's fixed.

2. Whether to keep my beard or not. My bosses, the Prime Minister and my partner, were both opposed to it but I have persisted and here I am. Another tough fight was to push through a decision to open all of EU's borders for all imports from the world's poorest countries. Many countries were dead against but we succeeded.

3. I'd like to save this answer for my autobiography.

1. I like the intensity and the diversity of New York, it's fantastic.
2. I've no idea. Any suggestions?
3. That's my well-kept secret! Fun Fact: I sold my beard once at an auction. It was for a fundraiser for girls' education in developing countries.

Maybe the brilliance was that it was limited? I called once and it was great fun. I tried to sign up to be one of the responders but I was rejected because I had an American number.

The air conditioning. It gets very hot in here and it's hard to concentrate.

1. Nice, friendly and easy questions.

2. Difficult and hostile questions.

Cloning.

95% in the United States, 5% in Sweden this year.

Soup made of blood? Are you kidding me? I wouldn't dream of trying any Blodsoppa, it sounds appalling to me.

There are several great Swedish restaurants in New York, Red Rooster in Harlem, Aquavit in midtown Manhattan and Aska in Williamsburg Brooklyn. They are not cheap but really great. I also like Fika NYC for a break and a cinnamon bun with real coffee.

I recognize many of the flavors. Fun fact: Marcus Samulesson and I grew up in the same suburb.

1. I think most Swedes feel that we should offer protection for people that are persecuted. It's their needs, not religion that should decide.

2. Ja, göteborgska.

Offer every child in school the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument for free.

No. The experience of the first 18 years scares me.

The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi is the northernmost place in Sweden I've been to, and its not so difficult to reach by car or plane, although it's very far away.

But I've been even further north in Norway! Svalbard is three hours by plane further north, go there if you ever have a chance!

My pleasure.

Almost, Ambassador is the title of the chiefs of Swedish missions in capitals or in international organizations like the UN. Consul Generals are located in other important cities like New York, Istanbul, Hong Kong, etc.

The first step is to visit:
https://studyinsweden.se
https://studyinsweden.se/plan-your-studies/degree-programmes/phd-studies/

Many programs are available in English at every university. Welcome!

I'm 5'3 ft (161 cm).

I say I'd marry them all, I'm a polygamist!