Sweden’s newly appointed health minister, Elisabet Lann, collapsed and struck her head during a televised press conference on Tuesday, moments after being introduced alongside Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and other officials.
Footage that circulated widely on social media shows Lann standing at a transparent lectern when she suddenly tumbled forward, fell to the floor and hit her head on the edge of the podium. Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch and other politicians and journalists rushed to Lann’s side as she appeared unconscious on the floor and was aided by those nearby. The news conference was cancelled.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as alarming. A reporter for Dagens Nyheter said, "It looked really bad. She fell right in front of me." Video shows Busch quickly rolling Lann over and several people rendering first aid as others called for assistance.
Lann briefly left the room after the incident but returned to address reporters later, telling them she had experienced a drop in blood sugar. "This was not exactly a normal Tuesday, and this is what can happen when you have a blood sugar drop," she said. It was not immediately clear whether she sustained any injuries from the fall.
The incident occurred on the same day Lann was appointed minister following the sudden resignation of her predecessor, Acko Ankarberg Johansson, announced on Monday. Lann had previously served as a city councilor in Gothenburg before being named to the national post.
Government officials did not immediately provide further medical details. The press conference had been scheduled to address health policy following the ministerial change, but was halted after the collapse and will be rescheduled, officials said.
Video of the fall spread rapidly on social media, drawing immediate attention and prompting questions about Lann’s condition and the circumstances surrounding her appointment. Swedish authorities and the government’s communications office are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.
The Health Ministry plays a central role in coordinating national health policy and responses to public health challenges. Lann’s appointment came at a time when health issues remain high on the political agenda, and her abrupt medical episode occurred before she had an opportunity to outline her priorities in the role.
Officials at the briefing emphasized the immediate response by colleagues and journalists and underscored that Lann herself had explained the cause as a blood sugar drop. No official medical statement detailing any diagnosis or treatment was released by Tuesday evening.