Eriksson think that the government’s purchases of coal and gas power plants have been devastating for Vattenfall.

“Now it’s a cash cow that has suddenly become a problem instead and has difficulties with profitability,” Eriksson said in an interview with news agency Nyhetsbyrån Direkt.

“Vattenfall is a major problem today and I do not know how we can get this enterprise to function long term again and contribute to a green shift. There must be a goal instead of all profits being invested in coal and gas.”

Last week, Financial Markets Minister announced that the Christian Democrats believed the government should continue selling off state-owned companies. Companies on his list included SAS, TeliaSonera, Nordea, Vattenfall, SBAB, Posten Nordic, Lernia, Sweroad and Arbetslivresurs.

He added that the state had been able to reduce its indebtedness sharply with the sales it has made since the 2006 elections.

Regarding Nordea, Eriksson said it is fundamentally important that the state own a part of a bank, but he wants the state to keep SBAB because it continues to play a role in price squeezing.

Eriksson added in does not believe it is a good idea to buy back Apotek with government funds, something that Left Party leader Lars Ohly wants.

“I think generally that companies need profits to survive,” said Eriksson. “However, I think we need to look at reform to see how it works. One problem is that prices have increased.”

In terms of Vattenfall, Eriksson said he would be willing to sell any part of its coal and the international holdings, but added it must also be considered in light of what makes long term sense.

“The goal must be to make Vattenfall a profitable enterprise again that can contribute to the green shift,” he said.