Svenska företagsstöd under Coronapandemin - fördelar och nackdelar ur ett samhällsekonomiskt perspektiv

Sammanfattning: The Corona pandemic began as a health crisis, but it soon also turned into a crisis for the economy. Affecting all layers of society, from individuals to big companies, both nationally and internationally. Because of the pandemic and its economic consequences for businesses in Sweden, the Swedish government introduced a number of support programs aimed at reducing the negative effects on businesses caused by the virus. This paper is an attempt to analyze these programs from an economic perspective and to present a balanced view of the various programs, based on economic theory and research. Fourteen different programs are presented and analyzed, from a ”short time furlough” program to an “extension of time for payment of taxes” program. The purpose of these programs is to support businesses that are suffering badly during these difficult times. A result of the pandemic has been a reduction of supply and demand of products and services and a difficulty to handle reduction of turnover in businesses, which is an argument in favor of government support programs. Another argument in favor, is to keep unemployment down, where in particular the short time furlough program has been used. As there are arguments in favor, there are also arguments against, such as the risk of rent-seeking, i.e., using tax money to support interest groups for political purposes. Another risk is that support is given to unprofitable businesses that changes the competitive situation in a negative way for good businesses that would not receive support. Finally, the importance of following up the outcome of the support programs should be stressed. It is important to learn which programs have worked well and which programs might not have worked so well.