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When Karolin A. Johansson now moves home to the family farm in Ödängla outside Mönsterås, it has been 21 years since she left home. She was only 16 when she moved to Strängnäs to attend high school.
- I had felt under-stimulated throughout my schooling, and found this school that seemed to suit me well. It's called the European School and has an international focus and a great focus on knowledge, which I liked.
After high school there was a double degree in political science and journalism at Uppsala University, while she spent a lot of time on politics in the Moderates. She sat on the local council and the municipal council and was the group leader for the Education and Labor Market Committee.
- Actually, I became active in politics already in high school. First I was involved in building a local association at home in Mönsterås, then I was district chairman of the youth association in Södermanland and then Uppland. In all, I was engaged in politics for 15 years.
After studying in Uppsala, she got a job as an expert with Beatrice Ask at the Ministry of Justice. Then she got the same job with Minister of Employment Sven Otto Littorin, and then became his press secretary for a few years. After that Karolin A. Johansson was also press secretary for Social Security Minister Cristina Husmark Pehrsson and Minister for Culture Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth. She hadn't served the Minister of Culture for more than a year when the court contacted her.
- I had promised to stay the entire term because Lena had had several press secretaries who quit before me. Telling her I would start on the court was one of the most difficult conversations I have had, and at first I got a real knock. Then she became happy and proud for my sake and we are still very good friends.
Why don't you return to politics after your years at court?
- I feel I'm done with politics. I think I can do more good elsewhere. In addition to running the farm, I will take on a few assignments for people and organizations that I feel particularly strongly about. Whatever it becomes, I will return to.
- I laughed well when I got the content description for my new company from the Swedish Companies Registration Office. It says that I will deal with 'beef production, sheep production, strategic advice, crisis management and media training'. I guess there are quite a few companies that have that combination.
Karolin becomes the fifth generation in her family to use the farm. It consists of 286 hectares of land, 40 cattle, 50 sheep and a few chickens.
- My parents have reduced the number of animals as they have grown older, so there are fewer animals than the farm can handle. That means that there is a chance for me to scale up as I get warm in my clothes.
The farm is scenic at Kalmarsund and includes a number of islands where the cows walk and graze.
- It is very shallow, so the cows can walk between the islands. Even the sheep can graze out on the islands. We usually fill the boat and drive them out for summer work there. It's like my own little nature reserve with sea eagles and osprey, and my dad goes fishing there.
Do you know how to farm?
- I grew up with it, and have always had to help and be part of the work on the farm. I know what to do, but not when to do it. That is why it is so good that I now can go in parallel with my dad and learn why we usually use one field and not the other just this year, which animals are worth saving and which are to be retired and so on. Maybe we will hire someone to help us, it will show the future when everything starts to fall into place.
What drives you to do this?
- I feel it's my role in life. I feel so incredible and happy when I am at home on the farm, to live so close to nature and see the seasonal changes. Being able to take care of the small part of the planet is my driving force.
- There was nothing I knew when I left home 21 years ago, but it's a feeling that has grown over the years. At the same time, we haven't talked about this at home, even though I am the only child. My parents have never pushed me. But I don't think that they are particularly surprised, because I have always sought home on all days off and weekends. I have had my own house and my horse that I have tried to ride every other weekend to the extent possible.
Many friends and colleagues in Stockholm are surprised at her choice, and they say she is brave.
- They have a hard time relating to the life I have at home in Småland, in the same way that my relatives and friends in Småland do not have a clue about what I have done in Stockholm. For those in Småland, I am Karolin who goes in dirty clothes, drives a saw and paints. But to me, two worlds complement each other.
- I think it has been braver to join and equip Sweden's future head of state, with the great responsibility and confidence that comes with it. I think the security of the farm has helped me keep my head cool in my professional life, so that I have been able to be an honest advisor.
What qualities does your successor need?
- Integrity, professionalism, an eye for detail and a great humility for both the role of the Crown Princess and the role one plays. You must not forget that you are there to support and help. Self-distance, curiosity and a little humor are not so stupid qualities to have.
Aren't you going to miss the spotlight, you have lived an exciting life at the court?
- No, but I will miss the Crown Princess as a person. We have come close to each other and I think she is a completely magical person. Her curiosity, knowledge and incredible warmth have really gone straight into the heart. But I am humbled that every thing has its time. I have had the role myself on loan and it is important that the person who comes after me gets the space needed to be able to do a good job.
Sista sommaren med kungafamiljen - Di Weekend
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