Swedish government criticised for curbing green policies in budget

Sweden's finance minister, Elisabeth Svantesson, said the country faced difficult months ahead, with high inflation and unemployment predicted to rise. Photograph: Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP

Sweden’s government has come under criticism after unveiling a budget that will dramatically increase carbon emissions.

The budget, unveiled on Wednesday morning, includes a 259m krona (£19m) reduction in funding for climate and environmental measures next year, and tax cuts on petrol and diesel.