Thomas Andersson, a Center Party regional politician, has been indicted following a traffic accident in which he allegedly drove while intoxicated and collided with an A-tractor. Following the incident, Andersson has left all his political assignments and withdrawn his candidacy for the upcoming election.
The incident occurred on the night of Sunday, August 23, when a passenger car crashed into an A-tractor from behind on the Vallsund Bridge between Frösön and the mainland. Behind the wheel of the car was regional politician Thomas Andersson (C). He is now being prosecuted over the incident. This was reported by ÖP.
Collided with A-Tractor
The emergency services were alerted to the crash shortly after 1 a.m. A total of five people were involved in the accident. Andersson and the passenger in his car were taken to hospital by ambulance.
Among those traveling in the A-tractor was a girl around the age of 15. According to initial information from the police, no one in the A-tractor needed to be taken to hospital.
After the crash, the Vallsund Bridge was closed while rescue operations were underway. Debris needed to be cleared from the roadway and a leak was contained. Both vehicles were towed and Andersson’s car was seized for technical examination.
Suspected of Multiple Offenses – “Been Feeling Unwell”
Right after the accident, the police announced that Andersson was suspected of reckless driving, causing bodily harm, and aggravated drunk driving. When Östersunds-Posten spoke to him after the incident, he did not wish to go into the details but did share how he had been feeling lately.
– I have been feeling unwell for a long time but haven’t managed to seek help. What happened over the weekend has been the crescendo of a long-lasting bad state of mind.
He also acknowledged that the event would affect his political future.
– I know this will have consequences, he said.
Left All Political Assignments
Andersson has held several political assignments over the past decade. He has, for instance, been chair of the regional council, chairman of Länstrafiken, and vice chairman of the liberal group in the Council of Europe.
Since the summer of 2025, he has been a member of the regional council and the health and medical care committee. He has also served as a lay judge in the Court of Appeal for Lower Norrland.
For the upcoming autumn election, Andersson was listed fifth on the Center Party’s list for the regional election and eleventh on the party’s list in Östersund municipality. Following the criminal suspicions, he announced that he was leaving all political assignments and withdrawing his candidacy for the election.
Center Party: “Cannot Remain on Our Lists”
The Center Party’s district chair Effie Kourlos was in contact with Andersson before the decision to step down. She has previously been clear about the party’s view on the matter.
– If you commit this kind of act, you cannot remain on our lists. It is not compatible with being a trusted representative for the Center Party, she said.
The ballots had already been printed when Andersson withdrew his candidacy, and the party assessed that there was not enough time to print new ones.
– His name will remain, but it will not be eligible for election, she said.