Anette Novak with a cap carrying a clear message: Build the Norrbotniabanan rail link
When Norran contacted Anette Novak for comment after the government's Tuesday approval of the Norrbotniabanan railway (specifically the Dåva-Skellefteå section), she was overjoyed.
– It feels fantastic. We have finally, after all these years, reached a decision, and I want to say a big and warm congratulations to everyone in the north—and in the south of Sweden, for that matter. I wish I were there to celebrate with you, she says spontaneously.
As editor-in-chief of Norran, you took a clear and firm stand for the Norrbotniabanan railway. You received both criticism and praise for that.
– Yes, as editor-in-chief of Norran, I took on something of a leadership role for the entire region. Part of journalism is about highlighting weaker voices to bring more perspectives into a discussion. I wanted to shine a light on a part of the country that was not always heard in the national debate and to make it clear that even citizens along the relatively densely populated Norrland coast have the right to make sustainable travel choices, says Novak, and continues:
– The Norrbotniabanan railway is also crucial for the labour market; it will create a new three-city region, facilitating commutes between Umeå, Skellefteå, and Piteå. This is particularly important for Skellefteå, which currently faces challenges in retaining the skilled people who have relocated there.
Novak declined to speculate on when the entire Norrbotniabanan line will be inaugurated, citing uncertainties such as environmental considerations and potential appeals.
– One must respect that large-scale projects like this take time, she says, and continues:
– The important thing now is the signal that citizens in northern Sweden are also worthy of substantial investments. Many in the north have long felt they have been treated unfairly.
Novak points out that while resources like timber and ore leave the region, too little is reinvested.
– In these polarised times, when various forces are keen to exacerbate conflicts between different groups, the significance of this decision and the message it sends cannot be overstated. This is a huge boost for all of Västerbotten and Norrbotten — indeed, for all of Sweden.