Sweden’s New Health Minister Collapses Mid-Press Conference on Her First Day

9 September 2025

When Elisabet Lann stepped onto the podium on September 9, debuting as Sweden’s newly appointed Minister for Health, she embodied fresh ambition and public duty. The moment was electric, underscored by the presence of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and key government figures. Then, shockingly, Lann collapsed forward over a clear lectern casting the room into sudden, collective alarm. The scene unfolded live on television, marking one of the most compelling moments in modern Swedish political theater.

Appearing visibly unconscious for a moment, Lann’s fall was swiftly met with urgency. Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch, along with other officials and journalists, hurried to her side. Security personnel tended to her as she lay on the ground before reorienting herself and rising from the floor. The press conference came to an abrupt halt.

Minutes later, visibly shaken yet determined, Lann returned to address a stunned room. She explained that the collapse was caused by a sudden drop in blood sugar, describing the afternoon as less than “a normal Tuesday.” Medical reports later confirmed that she suffered no serious injuries. Still, the Q&A portion of the briefing was cancelled, underscoring the fragility of public health leadership amid high expectations.

International media were quick to capture the moment. A clip of the incident went viral across platforms including CNN, TMZ, ABC News, and BFM TV, and public reaction across social media ranged from concern to satire. While some mocked the reaction of others Prime Minister Kristersson came under scrutiny for hesitating initially many praised Ebba Busch for her swift intervention.

Despite the spectacle, Lann herself maintained composure, even injecting a touch of levity into the aftermath. In an interview with SVT she half-joked that her entrance may not have been the most dignified, but at least it made her recognizable. On Instagram, she posted “I’m still standing,” set to Elton John’s spirited anthem, a symbol of her resilience and determination to assume an important public role despite the dramatic challenge.

This incident unfolded against the backdrop of a sobering political transition. Lann, a Christian Democrat who previously held significant municipal roles in Gothenburg and contributed to the national Health Care Responsibility Inquiry, replaced Acko Ankarberg Johansson following her abrupt resignation. With Sweden’s healthcare system under pressure grappling with long wait times and staff shortages vacating the spotlight for a moment may have underscored both the demands and human limits of the job.

From a broader perspective, Lann’s fall became a moment of vulnerability, a rare glimpse into the human reality behind political appointment ceremonies. It served as a reminder that even ministers are subject to physical frailty, and that public service even at its most grandiose can be unexpectedly fragile. Her swift return and composed explanation spoke volumes of her readiness to lead amid crisis.

If anything, this incident may serve to deepen public empathy for Lann as she embarks on her tenure. The unexpected start may ultimately reinforce, rather than diminish, her credibility. With her health intact and her resolve visible, Lann now steps into a demanding role with renewed visibility and a powerful shared story of resilience.