The mayor of Stockholm, Kristina Axén-Ohlin has taken one month ‘time-out’ because of previous alcohol problems. She will be treated a Nämndemansgården.
Axén-Ohlin told the public about her problems in January this year. It started when her mother unexpectedly passed away in December 2005. Right after came the election campaign with too much work and too little time for rest and recovery.
- I admit. It was to much work and to little sleep, to little food and too many headache pills and alcohol she says to Dagens nyheter.
Her colleagues in the Moderate party give her a solid support and say that her private problems have not affected her work. Only three days ago she was photographed smiling, seemingly healthy and happy, signing a treaty with the mayor of London, Ken Livingstone. It is no particular thing that has caused the sick-leave; it is a continuation of her treatment that started in January.
Many see this as a sign that the pressure on top politicians is very tough and that she is brave to talk openly about her problems.
While Axén-Ohlin is away, Carin Jämtin from the Social democrats will take over the leadership of the city.