Catherina Fored has been named the new CEO of Mimer, Västerås' public housing company, set to take office on September 15. She succeeds Mikael Källqvist, who is retiring after eight years at the helm. Fored, currently the CEO of Gnestahem and Gnesta Förvaltnings AB, brings a wealth of experience in leadership roles within both public and private housing sectors, as well as the public sector. Her previous positions include roles at HSB Norra Stor-Stockholm, Sundbybergs stad, Folkhem, and JM.

Linn Wegemo (V), chairwoman of Bostads AB Mimer's board, expressed enthusiasm about Fored's appointment, highlighting her competence and extensive experience. Wegemo looks forward to collaborating with Fored to further Mimer's mission in Västerås. Fored herself is eager to lead Mimer, emphasizing her commitment to developing safe, satisfied tenants and sustainable properties. Her leadership philosophy centers on sustainable community building, quality, and social value, aiming to make Västerås an attractive place to live and move to.

Among the other candidates considered for the position were Pontus Werlinder, CEO of Bostadsbolaget in Göteborg, and Lena Molund Tunborn, who was dismissed from her role as CEO at the municipal Bostads AB Poseidon in early 2024 following corruption allegations. Fored's selection underscores Mimer's focus on responsible and forward-looking development under experienced leadership.

Mimer, which owns and manages approximately 11,900 apartments, ranks as Sweden's 22nd largest housing company. With Fored at the helm, the company is poised to continue its important work in providing attractive and inclusive housing solutions in Västerås, further solidifying its role in the community's development and well-being.

Gustav Hemming, a former high-ranking member of the Center Party in Stockholm, is at the center of a legal and financial storm following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor. The incident, which allegedly occurred on the Roslagsbanan train line in August of the previous year, has led to Hemming being charged with sexual harassment of a child. Despite denying the allegations, the case has prompted significant scrutiny of his post-political career benefits.

In the wake of the allegations, Hemming resigned from his positions as climate, infrastructure, and archipelago regional councilor in Stockholm, ending an 18-year tenure as a full-time politician. His departure was swiftly followed by an application for a temporary pension and severance pay from the region, raising questions about the appropriateness of such benefits under the circumstances.

The regional council's remuneration committee has since decided to grant Hemming a temporary pension of approximately 77,594 kronor per month, starting from December 1, 2024, and lasting no later than September 30, 2037. However, this decision comes with conditions, notably that the pension will be adjusted should Hemming take on other public roles or jobs. More critically, the committee has stipulated that the pension rights will cease should Hemming be convicted of the charges against him.

Andrea Törnestam (S), chair of the regional board's remuneration committee, emphasized the seriousness with which the region views the allegations against Hemming. She stated that the region's legal team has been tasked with reviewing the case to determine the possibility of restricting Hemming's entitlement to benefits in the event of a conviction. This development underscores the delicate balance between legal processes and the allocation of public funds to individuals facing serious criminal charges.