Swedens newly appointed Health Minister collapses during press conference
Elisabet Lann, Sweden's newly appointed Health Minister, collapsed during her first press conference on Tuesday, just hours after taking office. The footage shows the 48-year-old minister standing beside her colleagues when she suddenly leaned forward, toppled over the transparent lectern and fell to the ground
New Delhi: Elisabet Lann, Sweden's newly appointed Health Minister, collapsed during her first press conference on Tuesday, just hours after taking office. This episode unfolded in front of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Christian Democrats leader Ebba Busch, and a room filled with reporters.
The footage, which is now widely circulated on social media, shows the 48-year-old minister standing beside her colleagues when she suddenly leaned forward, toppled over the transparent lectern and fell to the ground. Busch rushed to her aid, rolling her over as other people quickly gathered for help. Security staff thereafter assisted Lann who appeared unconscious after several moments.
The minister later returned to the briefing and reassured reporters that she had experienced a sudden drop in blood sugar. This was not exactly a normal Tuesday, and this is what can happen when you have a blood sugar drop,” she said, according to Swedish broadcaster SVT. Shortly afterward, she exited the room once again. There have been no reports on whether she received professional medical treatment following the collapse.
The press conference that was originally scheduled as a Q&A session with the newly appointed cabinet member, was cut short after the incident.
A sudden start to a new role
Lann's collapse came on the very day she assumed her new role as Health Minister following the resignation of Acko Ankarberg Johansson on Monday. According to reports, Johansson, who had held the post for three years, stepped down for personal reasons.
A seasoned member of the Christian Democrats, Lann has been active in Swedish politics for several years. She previously served as a municipal councillor in Gothenburg beginning in 2019 and has held posts in the Cabinet Office. She has contributed to the Health Care Responsibility Inquiry. Her academic background includes a master's degree in peace and development studies as well as political science.
Lann's condition was later reported to be stable, as she left the venue at her own power.