Swedish Politician Calls Palace Gift “a Scandal”

Lars Ohly, the leader of Sweden’s Left Party, is crying foul over the government giving Crown Princess Victoria and fiance, Daniel Westling Haga Palace as their home once they are married next year.

“I think it is a scandal that they have been offered the palace entirely free. It is owned by the Swedish state, and we got it as a gift,” Ohly told Svenska Dagbladet newspaper.

The Swedish government acquired ownership of the palace in 1966, and have been using it to house their guests. Ohly believes the royal couple should find their own place like ordinary people.

“That is something almost everyone else has to do. And moreover, they have better economic prerequisites than most people,” he said.

Ohly also voiced concerned over visitors to Haga Palace’s park would not be allowed once Victoria and Daniel move in. Palace officials say not to worry, pointing out that while people won’t walk right up the palace, they still would have access to the nearby Brunnsviken waterfront.

The Swedish government announced back in April plans to give the Crown Princess and her husband-to-be Haga Palace as a wedding gift. It was once the home to King Carl XVI Gustaf when he was a little boy, along with his four older sisters.