. Stefan Löfvens sommartal in Stockholm August 10, 2014.

Please note that the spoken word applies.

Friends,
even when we are here in a summer paradise, our thoughts go to those who are still fighting the fire in Västmanland. Firefighters, police officers and all emergency responders are sleeping in shifts, working around the clock, and do a fantastic job.

And when you find out that you only have 15 minutes you leave your home, then you are very vulnerable.

Then you have every right to ask for help. And Sweden have responded.

From Västmanland, from Dalarna, from all over Sweden have you contributed with your help. You save animals and possessions, open up your homes, give away clothes and food.

You show that no fire can be rough on our solidarity, and you are the pride of Sweden!

* * *

And these days need our solidarity also international.
To open a newspaper this summer has been like a punch in the chest.

We have been shaken by the images from the eastern Ukraine. Russia's violations of international law is clear, and the EU can and must do more than in the days of crisis management and conflict prevention.

The horrific war continues in Syria. We see a large Ebola outbreak. And in the media shadow ongoing humanitarian crises in the Central African Republic and South Sudan.

And we are now receiving daily reports of Christian Assyrians / Syrians / Chaldeans, Kurds, jezidier and Shia Muslims who are forced to flee from the Islamic State of executions and terror in northern Iraq.

The international community can not accept organizations that killing, oppressing and enslaving people. The United Nations and the Security Council can not just condemn what is happening. They must also use their power to do anything effective to stop this human catastrophe.

IS poses a terrible threat to human life, to human dignity, to us all, and we must do everything in our power to stop them.

* * *

Friends, a child who is killed is a tragedy. But when tens, hundreds of children are killed - how can we even describe it? Is there one word that could capture the suffering?

But amidst the indescribable happening now in Gaza, survives still hope. Salim Hindi, his wife and their four sons lost their homes in the war. Despite the help he now others in need. The Palestinian Peace Coalition, an organization with the support of the Swedish labor movement, parts Salim and his colleagues out food parcels and clean up the ruins.

Today, we collect money for their work. Join in and show that there is a relentless humanity, respect for the human, we never fails. Give your contribution in any of the guns out here and support the Palme Center's campaign "You and I, for Gaza".

* * *

And the Israeli government's violations of international law must end.

Israeli families' fear and suffering is real, and deserves our understanding. We condemn Hamas terror. But the policy of retaliation that have been Netanyahu's response to Hamas terror leads to a dead end. Over Violence will only lead to more confrontation. Only through the realization of common security created a lasting peace.

The basic problem is and remains Israel's Law unconstitutional occupation. Therefore, products from the settlements marked. Therefore, the Swedish forces, under the right conditions, could be sent to maintain a peace treaty. Therefore, Sweden's position was clear: Unblock the blockade. End the occupation. And friends, a Social Democrat-led government will recognize the free State of Palestine.

* * *

I would also like to express my disgust with the anti-Semitism and the hatred that now target people with jew background worldwide. Jewish families in Stockholm, Malmö and other parts of the country now face taunts, smashed windows and sprayed swastikas on their homes and synagogues.

It's disgusting. And that is something we can never tolerate. No single individual with jew identity is responsible for what a state, a government does, just as a Muslim responsible for the actions of others in the name of Islam. We can never look away from threats and scorn against our friends, neighbors and family members. We should stick together. In hatred and despite. For human dignity and solidarity.

* * *

And what I see as my Social Democracy and most important task today is precisely to bring the solidarity of every human being and Sweden to stay together.

A great joy of my job is all people want to talk to. But a sadness that goes through so many calls, letters and emails right now, are the stories of how differences in Sweden is growing.

Between city and country. Suburban and inner city. Workers and job seekers. Between women and men, and between generations.

There are so many who are afraid that these cracks will tear apart Sweden.

I am also afraid of it.

And when the government chooses to drive wedges into these cracks, so I become downright angry.

When they decide to reduce taxes, most of those who have the most, regardless of how much unemployment rises or school results drop.

When they decide to punish people because they are looking for work or are sick, and taxing retirees harder, no matter how many people are sounding the alarm about their situation.

They have chosen this. And now siffertrixar the grills sausages and dancing disco while Swedish inequality is growing fastest in the West!

This was the Alliance's idea. This is their profit. And this will be their legacy,
if we have the confidence to form a new social democratic government.

* * *

And the reason I think that we will form a new government is not the opinion polls.
Or that the Alliance seems to put its entire TV campaign on the cake throwing - literally!

No, I simply think Swedish people are tired of a political debate over what to get, instead of what we can create together.

Just make sure all of you making contributions to our society.

It could be the young guy who register as a contact person for an unaccompanied refugee children. It could be the mother who struggles up on Saturday morning to train his daughter and her friends in football. There may be those who are furious at the underrepresentation of women, and helped build a fair brokerage online.

We humans want to be part of creating something bigger than ourselves. All do not believe in a god, or an ideology. But we know that during our time on earth to create something meaningful with others.

I know that the future of the project, the dream, we can carry together. It is my greatest hope for Sweden!

* * *

And I want to lead such a joint project of Sweden.

I want to create something so simple - and yet so great - like a Sweden that holds together. And it must begin with the children. It must begin with that we give all children equal opportunities in life.

Because there is no child who chooses his conditions, his upbringing, his childhood. No one can tell a child: "It's your own fault! You chose the wrong parents! "

We must begin to see and seriously take to heart the growing inequality in Sweden.
We know that one in five children live in economic deprivation and what it means? We know that one in four fifteen-year-old has not been able to afford to go on something friends would do? We understand that almost every aged 16 to 24 report that lack of trust in other people?

Do we understand what it means and results? It will be devastating for our unity and our cooperation - all of which is Sweden's lead in the international competition.

We should proclaim these statistics. We should papering the streets with applications to associations, church and social services, which asks for a pair of running shoes, winter clothing, nutritious food,
all that so many take for granted.

We should say: Look! Here is the inequality! It tears apart Sweden! It destroys what we are so proud of!
And Sweden will hold together, so it must be fought!

* * *

It is five weeks away. Then we have the opportunity to start such a common project, for a Sweden that holds together.

I'm not asking for a mandate to do it for you.
I ask for the mandate to do it together with you.

And we should start where it will do the most good. Do you know what the research indicates is the main cause of inequality among children? Parents who are unemployed, or lack of education.

The Social Democrats under my leadership has set a firm focus on jobs and education is no coincidence. There are no tactics. It is a slap in the belly of inequality.

We focus on the interaction between entrepreneurs, researchers and elected representatives, we create not only new products and services, we create hope in all those families where parents can go to a new job.

We are launching a major new education initiative, which raises the level of education of all those who currently lack proper training, we strengthen not only Sweden's competitiveness - we give people the opportunity to build a better life for themselves and their children.

We reach the EU's lowest unemployment rate, we will give tens of thousands of children new opportunities in life. That's what I stand for. Work and justice. Growth and equity. The creation of each other. And I am ready to meet anyone who says that there is the right priority for Sweden!

* * *

And there is much that require our work. The climate challenge is the crucial issue of our time. Reinfeldt says: We can not do much, because we are such a small country.

We answer: Sweden should both be an example that shows what is possible. And at the same time to join together with other countries, to ensure that it is possible also gets done. Climate adaptation is an opportunity for jobs for young people - and a moral obligation to our children.

* * *

We get an older population. The government says: Then we have to privatize! Facing forcible LOV across the country!

We answer: Eldercare needs more educated people, no more unbridled market forces. Those jobs should not have to resign to take care of his mother. 20,000 young people will get a trainee job in elderly care, as part of our guarantee that no young to be unemployed for longer than 90 days. No old without care. No young jobless. So we hold up Sweden.

* * *

The global competition is intensifying. Reinfeldt said: "We used to have people in the industry, but They are basically gone!" I know, it's crazy at all sides!

We answer: Let's bet on nyindustrialisering in Sweden. I know that Sweden has industries that are ready to astound the world!

* * *

But friends, it takes more. Last summer, published a report in Dala-Democrat. It was about a young woman, who along with 60 other a driving license with the help of ABF.

"Now I can run mom and act" she said. The racist wave was not long in coming. The young woman had namely Somali origin.

And it cant, hateful, mob got the idea that she had received the license for free. Leading Sweden Democrats joined in, and led the drive.

Not even when she told me that she worked part time in the evenings to afford the license,
and that the only ABF done was to have given young people a chance to study together,
they wanted to suppress in their hatred.

They wanted to call her freeloaders anyway.

To see racism in Sweden out. It prevents people from jobs, of housing, of power and freedom. We should stick together Sweden. And why should we, together, illustrate and fight racism!

* * *

And we will respond segregation in society.

Not by pointing out a few, to be integrated with others. But in the same way that the labor movement has always lifting people: by creating opportunities for jobs, education and good housing for all.

A cohesive society can not be created through the signal policy. It can only be achieved through solidarity initiatives work and knowledge.

* * *

And just imagine how many young women who moved here in the evenings along the Vasa Park with the keys between your fingers, a weapon for protection against the violence that is constantly threatening.

When trying to understand how a young woman feel in such moments, how can you not like to do everything in your power to stop the harassment, hate and the violence against women, to dismantle the whole damned gender power, to secure equal rights, equal opportunities, equal pay,
human equality!

Fredrik Reinfeldt says: I'm not a feminist, I'm a moderate. However, Sweden will hold together requires a government that is not a moderate but a social democratic and thus feminist.

* * *

And friends,

The Wild West was an exciting region. There was hardly any law and regulations. Anyone could pan for gold, and get really rich. The weak had it hard. The strong won. Therefore I can say that the Wild West is excellent that matter to youth novels. But friends, it's a lousy model for Swedish school!

* * *

But every time the children and teachers whistle-profit pursuit and the general clutter in the Swedish school will respond only Jan Björklund: We are on the right path! Then he runs and hafsar through a new school reform without listening to teachers, researchers or a single consultative body.

But what if the fast does not always equal good? What if people notice that school results drop when placards policy combined with independent tax cuts? And friends - what if Sweden needs an education minister who listens to scholars and teachers, instead of shoot faster than his shadow?

* * *

As a researcher Gosta Esping-Andersen. He shows that the earlier the interventions are carried out, the younger the children are when they get support, the better the results. It is time to listen to him.

That is why we will introduce a ceiling in preschool. The youngest children should never have to go in groups of more than 15 children.

That is why we should reduce classes with up to five children in the primary grades. Teachers and special education teachers will have more time with their students.

That is why we should re-establish the status of the teaching profession, improve wage, increase autonomy and reduce the rampant number of forms.

It's time to give every teacher the power and the power to see the children who tear. Small children should receive early support - just so the results can be significant.

* * *

Friends,
there is an absolutely critical factor for Sweden to stay together. And it is to create an equal schools. Therefore, the schools with the greatest need receive state support.

And that the government, after several years of protests, not lift one little finger to stop profit-hunting beyond me. But rest assured: We will stop profit hunt, and replace salmon-RUT with homework help for all. The school's goals should be the children's knowledge - not corporate profit interest.

* * *

And today we are launching a broad reform to more young people will complete upper secondary school. High school graduate has become the great watershed in the Swedish labor market. Have you dropped out of high school are at three times greater risk of becoming unemployed.

This is a deep dividing line in Swedish politics.

The Government also sees defections. But their solution is training with less knowledge and less demanding, to give low-wage jobs that no longer exist. It is nothing short of a betrayal.

It's just we Social Democrats who recognize the fact. High school is now part of the basic training that must be provided to all. Therefore we need to create new ways for high school graduates: Professional vocational college. Education Contract. Chance to read in college.

We will do the billion investment needed so that everyone gets the support they need so that secondary schools can become mandatory from 2018th

Friends, so we end the government's betrayal. So we give all young people the chance to lift student cap to the sky! How do we do that Sweden holds together!

* * *

But high school diploma is not the only thing required of the young. Swedish Enterprise says that 6 out of 10 employers require a license. But do you know how much it costs to take a license today?

It has created a Catch-22: Many young people can not afford to get a driving license because they are without work. And they can not get work because they are without a license. At the same time, they can apply for student to study almost anything they want - except the basic knowledge of driving.

Driving license shall not be a class issue. Therefore, we make it possible for those who passed the high school to borrow from CSN to take a license.

That is my message to all young people in Sweden: We need your strength! We need you to work for Sweden to stay together!

* * *

And yes - a Sweden that holds together will require a greater tax burden.

We will phase out the discount on labor charges and the reduced tavern VAT, as the government's own assessments show gives very little power and costs extremely high. We raise the tax on environmental damage, on miljoninkomster, and for the major banks.

It is a new solidarity tax.

We change the government's wasteful tax cuts to community investments. The millionaires get help pensioners. The big banks will contribute to our school children. I know that you are ready to give a part of your profit to our children's welfare. It is not a tax. The privilege.

* * *

Friends,
that we Social Democrats want to do. But what really wants the Alliance? Is there anyone here who can name a single major reform that they want to implement during the next term?

Now, the bourgeois small parties own gambit. One should vote for the Center for more neoliberalism,
The Liberal Party for more social liberalism, the Christian Democrats for a faster return to the 50s.

But it's a scam! You can not influence their policies. As soon as their joint election manifesto are added, discarded all other proposals on the table.

Since the Alliance parties refuses to let the Swedish people have their say, because they refuse to allow the election results influence policy, so make absolutely no difference which bourgeois party you vote for. You still only the gray, soulless mass that is determined in advance.

It is the Alliance's inherent falsehood, they never want to talk about.

And we know what is their single, common idea. In the bourgeois parties Action Programme new tax cuts of over 70 billion. Most of those who already have the most. The only question is when it will be done. Annie Lööf says this fall. Fredrik Reinfeldt wants to wait 2016.

It is time to respond now. What year do you want to lower taxes for those who earn the most again? Swedish people deserve to know!

* * *

Finally, I would say this.

Do not think that I have forgotten where I come from.

Do not think that I hesitate one second, that I have other people's solidarity
to thank for my life and my opportunities.

Every door that has turned up in front of me, I know that others have struggled to open.

Now we face a choice about whether we should continue to open doors for all children,
even those with the conditions I had.

That determines whether Sweden again must be a common, joint and several future projects.

A country that sticks together.

Or if we are to continue closing the doors. For your children. For our children.

The election September 14 determines whether Sweden's big question will be: When will we begin to lower taxes again? Or: How can we create a better Sweden for all?

You know what I want. I know what you hope.

Now we will make it a reality. Together.
