Tua Forsström Resigns from the Swedish Academy

Hello Gentle Reader,

During the Swedish Academy’s annual meeting and celebrations held on December 20^th, it was announced that the Finnish-Swedish language poet Tua Forsström of Chair No. 18 would forfeit her seat after previously been elected five years prior in 2019. There is no drama or ill tidings trailing Forsström’s resignation. Since 2018 the Swedish Academy’s members have had the freedom of choice to resign. Prior to that the bylaws stated that all terms of any academy seat were for life. However, during crisis it became necessary for the academy to update it governance protocols in order to allow members to resign and be replaced so the academy could still function. This flexibility according to Tua Forsström was the main contingency of why she accepted the invitation to join the academy, with the understanding that her term within the institution would be for a limited time. Now five years later, Tua Forsström has decided that the term has been met and has formally resigned from the Swedish Academy. The Swedish Academy was appreciative in their acceptance of the resignation with wonderful parting words which express the value that Forsström brought to the Swedish Academy and their deliberations.

While Tua Forsström’s resignation is the first since the Swedish Academy’s crisis six years ago, it is marvelous to see a member part on amicable grounds. As both Tua Forsström and the Swedish Academy maintain and repeated, the decision was made five years prior, and was a contingent point of Forsström accepting the invitation. Once again, the Swedish Academy is not at a full roster, as they will begin the work of finding a new member to fill Chair No. 18.

On a personal note, it is disappointing to see Tua Forsström depart from the Swedish Academy. It was always my own selfish wish that with her position on the academy, Tua Forsström would be able to put forward the candidacy of Finnish writers for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Sadly, that did not happen over the past five years – that I know of. Hopefully in the future though we will finally get a new Finnish laureate, as the language and literature is glaringly overlooked on the world stage, due to linguistic complexities.

While it is disappointing to hear the news of Tua Forsström resignation from the Swedish Academy, her insights within the awarding institution cannot be overlooked, and the Swedish Academy’s own appreciative farewell to the Finnish-Swedish language poet is poignant in its reluctant acceptance and appreciative well wishes.

Thank You for Reading Gentle Reader
Take Care
And As Always
Stay Well Read

 

M. Mary

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The Swedish Academy's festive gathering