The Swedish Academy General Meeting

Hello Gentle Reader

The Swedish Academys’ supplementary investigation into the accusations that member and poet: Katarina Frostenson, had broken the statuettes of secrecy, has recently concluded. This second investigation was solicited by current Permanent Secretary of the Swedish Academy Anders Olsson, and its findings remain consistent with the initial investigation petitioned by former Permanent Secretary Sara Danius. The investigation concludes on numerous occasions, Katarina Frostenson prematurely provided information regarding the winning laureate to her husband, Jean-Claude Arnault, who then subsequently advertised the information on a selective basis.

The investigation summarized the following laureates were leaked by Katarina Frostenson in order:

(1996) Wisława Szymborska

(2004) Elfriede Jelinek

(2005) Harold Pinter

(2008) Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clezio

(2014) Patrick Modiano

(2015)  Svetlana Alexievich

(2016) Bob Dylan

The investigation advises the Swedish Academy to either exclude—or expel— Katarina Frostenson or urge her to voluntarily resign from the institution. It has been rumored that in two-thousand and fourteen, then Permanent Secretary Peter Englund, had grown suspicious of leaks within the academy, and questioned Frostenson about the heightened interest in the then unknown laureate, Patrick Modiano. Frostenson is said to have rebuffed the accusation. Yet, this would explain why leading up to the announcement date, how Patrick Modiano flew through the betting sites lists with lightning speed, considering years prior his name was rarely mentioned and he appeared to be a dark horse.

It should also be noted that Katarina Frostenson also stands accused of leaking of new elected members prematurely to her husband, who is said to have used this information for his own gain and at the expense of the Swedish Academy.

Testimonials provided for the investigation where often anonymous, as the witnesses had concerns regarding retaliation. Former academy member: Klas Östergren, has openly been named as testimonial witness in the investigation as well as playwright, Anna Kölén. It is rumoured that Peter Englund and Sara Danius were also interviewed during this supplemental investigation. Klas Östergren specifically testified that Jean Claude-Arnault informed him that Polish poet Wisława Szymborska would win the Nobel Prize in 1996; and Anna Kölén testified that Arnault openly touted that Elfriede Jelinek and Harold Pinter would receive the award in 2004 and 2005 respectively. Anna Kölén believes in an opinion article that she wrote that, Arnault often leaked names with audacity to showcase his knowledge, his connections, as well as his might, and to help him build relationships and further social advantages within the Stockholm cultural scene.

Other parts of the investigation have not yet been released, as they are currently under review by the financial crimes unit of the Stockholm police. Permanent Secretary Anders Olsson also did not comment on whether or not the academy will once again vote on whether or not to exclude Katarina Frostenson, but did state the investigation will be reviewed in full come the New Year, along with a solution.

On December 20^th, the Swedish Academy hosted its general meeting where three new members were formally inducted into the academy:

Chair No. 1 – (Justitieråd/Justice) Eric Runesson

Chair No. 11 – Mats Malm

Chair No. 15 – Jila Mossaed

The general meeting was contentious as the rest of the year. Held in the company of the Swedish Royal family and five hundred invited guests, the Swedish Academy inducts new members and reviews its year. Yet, some of the invited guests chose to boycott the event, including the Archbishop Antje Jackelén, and invited guest Agneta Pleijel. The blue table situated in the middle of the room like a grand dinner table of literary theatre, was also noticeably vacant. Eight seats were left vacant, which included four inactive members:

Chair No. 7 – Sara Danius

Chair No. 10 – Peter Englund

Chair No. 16 – Kjell Espmark

Chair No. 18 – Katarina Frostenson

As well as two vacant seats:

Chair No. 9 – (Previously held by, Jayne Svenungsson)

Chair No. 13 – (Previously held by, Sara Stridsberg)

Chair No. 14 – Kristina Lugn – was also noticeably absent during the meeting, as were other members, whose identities are not known.  

It’s a startling photo to review to see the academy in ruin and by its own volition; its own missteps; its own lack of governing capabilities. The meeting of December 20^th appeared somber in appearance and is an astute physical representation of the grave year of scandal.

As for Katarina Frostenson, through her legal representation, she is willing to voluntarily resign herself from the academy, but only after negotiating a settlement of monetary value, between herself and the Swedish Academy. Whether or not the Swedish Academy will entertain the thought of negotiating with Frostenson over her removal from the academy is yet unknown. To reiterate, Permanent Secretary Anders Olsson, has stated the academy will not agree on any solution until the New Year, and will not convict itself to any resolution prematurely until then.

The Swedish Academy now wraps up its year of calamity just before Christmas. Their general meeting a somber occasion wrapped in the cloak of pomp and ceremony that did little to conceal and mask the grievous wounds left behind. Chair after chair was vacant, while few were populated. Hopefully the Swedish Academy can find a appropriate solution away from cronyism and personal biases in the New Year, and begin to rebuild itself from ash and ruin, restore trust and peace among itself and the public, and begin anew to do the great work it has done in decades past.

Thank-you For Reading Gentle Reader

Take Care

And As Always

Stay Well Read

M. Mary

For Further Reading Please See The Following Links and Articles –

The Local Sweden: "Names of Nobel Prize winners were leaked: report,"

Sveriges Radio: "Witnesses: Arnault revealed Nobel laureates,"

SVT Nyheter: "Arnault revealed Nobel laureates in advance, according to witnesses,"

SVT Nyheter: "Anna Kölén: The Academy should publish the investigation,"

SVT Nyheter: "Katarina Frostenson ready to negotiate exit,"

Sveriges Radio - The Swedish Academy General Meeting [Photo]