Sweden’s new Health Minister, Elisabet Lann, fainted during a live press conference on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, only hours after her appointment. She replaced her predecessor, who had resigned suddenly.
The 48-year-old Christian Democrat was alongside Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch when she lost consciousness while another official was speaking. Video footage shows Lann progressively falling forward, causing a transparent podium to topple as she fainted.
Busch acted promptly, helping Lann into the recovery position. Other officials and journalists quickly gathered to assist. Security personnel assisted Lann in standing before escorting her from the scene.
Lann returned to the press conference after receiving medical attention, attributing the fainting spell to low blood sugar. She remarked to reporters, “This was not exactly a normal Tuesday” and explained that such incidents can occur with a sudden drop in blood sugar levels.
The press conference was later cancelled following the incident. A reporter from DN who witnessed the event described it as alarming, noting that Lann collapsed directly in front of him.
Lann took over the ministerial role after Acko Ankarberg Johansson resigned on Monday, September 8. Ankarberg Johansson, who had been Health Minister for three years, also resigned from her parliamentary seat and withdrew from the upcoming general election.
Prior to her appointment, Lann served as a municipal councilor in Gothenburg since 2019. She holds a master’s degree in peace and development studies and political science. Lann was the deputy director of the Cabinet Office and participated in the Health Care Responsibility Inquiry.
In the initial part of the press conference, Lann discussed Sweden’s healthcare system challenges, emphasizing that while quality remains high, the primary issue is prolonged waiting times. She emphasized the need to improve equitable healthcare and enhance government oversight, noting that long waits for medical care are inconsistent with the principles of a welfare state.
The incident marked an unexpected beginning to Lann’s tenure as Health Minister, with the live broadcast of her collapse rapidly gaining traction on social media. The event drew significant attention to her first day in the role.
Reports remain unclear on whether Lann sustained injuries during the fall or required further medical care beyond initial aid. Despite hitting her head on the podium’s edge, she did not appear to be seriously injured.
The Swedish government has not issued further statements on Lann’s health or its impact on her ministerial duties. Her prompt return and explanation suggest she recovered sufficiently to continue her responsibilities.
Such occurrences during official events, though unusual, are not unheard of in political environments. The incident underscores the significant pressures faced by government officials, particularly during major transitions or announcements.
As part of the Christian Democratic Party, Lann joins Prime Minister Kristersson’s cabinet at a time when Sweden’s healthcare system is confronting challenges such as staffing shortages and rising service demands.
Footage of the incident shows the immediate response from government officials and the press, highlighting the quick actions taken to assist Lann. The episode stands out as an introduction to her ministerial career and is likely to be a memorable aspect of her early days in the health portfolio.
