Original subtitles

-I've heard you will be party leader. -How do you know?

I know everything.

Unless you make a big blunder

you'll soon be the Prime Minister of Sweden.

THE INNER CIRCLE

What about Rasmus and Klara? Who will take care of them?

-What the hell... We can work it out. -Yes, but how?

Created by Håkan Lindhé

-It's actually important business. -What's most important?

-You're being difficult. Leave it. -The family or your career?

Freely adapted from the novel "In the Eye of Power" by Per Schlingmann

She said that she's tired.

That this is a good time to step down.

-So we can't make any mistakes... -We'll fix this.

-Do you know him? -We have met but that's all.

Rumours are that he has a soft spot for younger women.

You were the brains and the architect behind the entire setup.

If I fall, David...

What would your wife say if she knew you were here drinking champagne?

It's not my wife I'm worried about.

-Hi. -What are you doing here?

This?

BERLIN, TWO YEARS EARLIER

My opinion is that the only route to financial stability in the region

is for the Western world to begin taking its economic responsibilities seriously.

I'm not only talking about financial aid and humanitarian assistance.

That will continue.

But also engaged in goal-oriented investments.

In enduring and sustainable relationships with local entrepreneurs.

That's the only thing that will last and work over a long period of time.

Thank you so much.

-Have a nice day. -You too.

Good luck with your work. Bye!

Thank you for your presentation.

Hearing the Minister of Enterprise talk about Africa in that way,

not only focusing on problems, but seeing possibilities.

-I'm delighted. Thank you. -Lena Nilsdotter, junior consultant.

At Octavia in New York, specialising in societal communications.

You were behind Barack Obama's campaign "Yes we can".

Yes, but there were several agencies involved.

-Are you going? -Yes, I am.

-Can I join you? -Yes, sure.

I'm told you'll soon need a new press officer.

Where did you hear that?

Your current one is married to my friend.

She said he's accepting a job he's been offered with the Foreign Ministry.

I think I'd be a brilliant press officer and I'm more than competent for the job.

I have a degree in political science from Stockholm University

and one in communication from Harvard.

I want to work for someone who can make a difference, like you.

But I think you need help, primarily with your strategy.

Preferably from someone who's left the political backwaters of Stockholm

and has a much broader perspective.

-Like me. -Can I ask what you're doing in Berlin.

I'm involved in a side project with a non-profit profile.

I have a meeting in Kreutzberg in half an hour, so I need to dash.

-Nice meeting you. -Indeed.

-I hope we'll meet again. -Who knows?

You could be the next Prime Minister of Sweden.

I would do anything to see that happen.

Lena Nilsdotter...

WEDNESDAY JULY 4, 4.17 A.M.

Hi Lena, it's me. Please come over.

Straight away! Please just come. It's important.

Thanks.

Hello? Hey? Hey there...

Hello?

Hello!

Come in.

She just showed up and we started kissing, but then she...

-I was bloody lucky that she had this. -Where did you use it?

This thing? In her leg. On the outside. There.

Bloody hell. Bloody, bloody hell...

I don't know what happened. She started jerking and shuddering.

Then I put the light on and saw that...that...

Hello? Hello, can you hear me?

Hello? What's her name?

-I don't know. -You don't know?!

-No, I don't know her name. -Hey there, how are you feeling?

I'm so tired...

I just had some peanuts, maybe that caused it.

I think she's okay.

My dad was allergic to nuts so I've administered lots of injections.

She'll be okay but she should see a doctor.

And you need a shower. Breakfast opens in an hour and a half.

Then you have an appointment to prepare the morning seminars.

"Sparsely populated areas 2.0."

It'll be fine...

It'll all be okay...

-I feel sick. -You're not the only one.

-I need to puke. -Please hold on a little.

-No, I don't think so. -What? Not even online?

-"The Party Minister." -He has a family.

We're not saying he's screwing around, only that he's out partying.

People can draw their own conclusions.

Jossan! Come here a minute.

Today's top priority is David Ehrling in view of tomorrow's press conference.

Who is he? What has he done, both professionally and privately?

Aren't you interviewing him today?

I'm thinking "classic portrait", like...

Where did he go to school? Where does he holiday? Favourite pizza... Nice stuff.

Meanwhile, you start digging into his relationship with Erik Hansen.

How friendly are they? Why do they party together? That kind of thing.

-Okay? -I'd love to do the Hansen angle, too.

-I've already found some stuff. -Oh?

-If that's okay? -Sure.

-Okay. Can you cope? -Oh, absolutely.

Great.

Okay, that's settled, then.

Dan? That video you showed yesterday...

Are we really just dropping that?

Why don't we go outside and talk, huh?

Isn't it? David?

...had an injection...

-David? -What?

Still sleepy? Björn was asking about the press conference tomorrow.

-Does it mean what we think it means? -Oh? Well...

I wouldn't jump to conclusions.

You can call Elvira a lot of things, but not boring.

Rumour has it she's been eyeing up Ann-Louise, too.

-Ann-Louise Hegel? -Yes. Didn't you know?

-No, actually. -Oh yes, indeed.

The Environment Minister isn't one to reject Elvira's invitation to dance.

-How is she? What was her name again? -Vanja.

She's okay. A bit shaken, but okay.

Don't worry. I've dealt with that.

Good.

You know... It wasn't what you think.

Tell Simon at FlashPolitics.

What... "The Party Minister"?

Moron.

Do you realise what would have happened if anyone had seen her at the hotel?

-Do you? It'd have been a disaster. -Sure, I get it.

And worst of all is I didn't have a bloody clue!

To be able to help you, I need to know everything. Everything!

-It was the middle of the night! -So what?

Should I have called in the middle of the night to say I'm out with a hot bird

who's licking my ear and telling me she's mine to play with?

And later, that she'd ambushed me in my hotel bed and started making out?

-Yes. If that's what happened. -That's exactly what happened.

Okay.

Let's decide right now to be completely open with one another.

All right. Then that goes both ways.

Sure. Both ways.

Great. That's decided, then.

-So you didn't sleep with her? -No. I didn't sleep with her.

And you had no intention to?

-What does that matter? -It matters to me!

-I want to know who I work for. -I did not sleep with her.

Right. We'll drop that one.

Could you get Ingrid here for the press conference?

The Crown Prince and his beautiful wife. The happy family...

-You could at least try. -I will. But I can't guarantee success.

Did you hear that Ann-Louise Hegel is standing as a candidate?

Oh? That explains why Elvira's office insists that you have dinner together.

-Dinner with Hegel? -I tried to refuse.

She said the Prime Minister expected you to. She wants pictures, I think.

-Do you think she has a chance? -Against you? I doubt it.

-But don't dismiss her. She's stubborn. -So am I.

Don't I know it...

...then a panel talk on expanding the 5G network

followed by a seminar in the FTP tent about something I can't remember,

a break and an interview with Josephine Sparre from Kvällspressen.

-Sparre? -Yes.

-At Kvällspressen? -You know her?

-Not really. I've met her briefly. -How briefly?

No, I haven't slept with her.

And then?

-DJ Battle? What the hell? -Tonight at Kallis. You and Hegel.

-Do I have to. -Yes, you do.

And we need to write your speech.

Good morning.

Right...

Have you spoken to David?

I dare say he's busy.

I don't understand how he copes. I'd go mad.

But he's always been insanely strong-willed.

Has he told you about when he practised holding his breath as a child?

-No. -No?

One birthday, someone gave him the Guinness Book of World Records

and he read about someone who held his breath for 14 minutes in a pool.

He decided to beat that and started training.

After a year, he managed 4-5 minutes.

Once when he and the old man had their obligatory morning dip,

he dived in and found something to hold on to on the bottom.

He stayed down for ages,

probably in the hope that the old man would worry and save him.

What happened?

Er, well...

The old man didn't notice.

He must have forgotten about David. He left.

It could have ended very badly.

But at least he came back up.

-He always does. -Yes.

Maybe it's the same thing driving him now as it was then.

And what would that be?

Just wanting to be seen.

Can I help you?

-I'm looking for Erik Hansen. -Do you have an appointment?

No, but I think he'll want to talk to me. I'm a journalist. Josephine Sparre.

Please excuse me for not getting up.

Josephine Sparre?

-That's right. -I read your story.

-About the insurance industry. -Okay.

-Impressive. -Thank you.

And now you're whoring for Kvällspressen?

-That's not quite how I see it. -I hope they pay well.

Otherwise I don't get why you'd abandon a brilliant career to write about...

-David Ehrling. -David Ehrling? But of course.

The Golden Boy.

No thanks.

Have a seat.

Do you know what this is? A pacemaker.

My wife died almost 18 months ago after 40 years together.

When she died, I thought I'd die too.

I bloody would have if it weren't for the pacemaker.

It keeps ticking whether I want it to or not: tick, tick, tick.

I gather that you've known David quite a while.

You could say that. Since he was born.

-And you're a friend of his dad's? -Yes. Henning was my lawyer for years.

He still is, if I needed one.

-And David worked for you too, right? -Yes, we had some business together.

Before he went into politics.

Business development, corporate construction, contracts and stuff.

And the purchase of the Port of Slite?

For example, yes.

I've been looking at that deal.

A rather creative business model - would you agree?

A creative business model?

I mean, the Russians wanted it first, but the Swedish government said no.

Then you and a Russian oligarch form a new company, registered as Swedish,

to conclude the deal.

And the plan is to rent the harbour to the Russian state for using as...

-Ms. Sparre. -Josephine.

What is it you want? You said you wanted to talk about David Ehrling.

I am. I mean, wasn't he involved in this deal, to say the least?

Or actually the brain behind the whole idea?

-With its rather dubious setup. -But no illegalities.

That rather depends.

Enough to create headlines, if anyone had a notion to write about it.

Then the situation in Ukraine resulted in sanctions that put an end to things.

I assume you all hope David becomes prime minister.

-That way, he can... -Enough!

...if not lift the sanctions, at least mitigate their impact so your deal...

I said that's enough! Get out!

Sergej!

-Get out! -Could you just comment...?

Out!

Let go! I am leaving.

-Hello. Josephine. Sorry I'm late. -You have a few minutes.

Okay.

-Hello. I'm Josephine Sparre. -David Ehrling. Nice to meet you.

-Do you want anything to drink? -Some water, please.

Let me get my things...

ERIK HANSEN: WATCH OUT. SPARRE KNOWS EVERYTHING.

-Right, then. -Right.

Rumour has it that Elvira Kropp is announcing her resignation tomorrow...

-I wouldn't know. -...and would like you to succeed her.

I'm not aware of that, but if I was, I obviously wouldn't talk about it now.

Would you like to be prime minister?

I'll have to decide on that if I'm asked.

Right now I'm focusing on my current position. Here and now.

Does that mean you act on impulse without thinking of the consequences?

Let's talk about you as a private person - the man behind the politician.

-Everyone knows you're married. -Yes. To Ingrid for 10 years now.

-Happily? -Definitely.

What's her take on all the rumours about you?

-What rumours would they be? -Your fondness for pretty young women.

Sitting in bars late at night, drinking vintage champagne.

-What kind of a question is that? -You were supposedly out last night.

-With Erik Hansen. -Erik Hansen is an old family friend.

As Minister of Enterprise, I naturally meet him from time to time

and discuss Swedish trade and industry.

I meet many business executives.

The young women at your table, were they business executives, too?

I don't know that - or them.

Wasn't this meant to be a portrait? Hobbies, dream holiday, favourite pizza.

-I haven't got there yet. -Please do. Your time's almost up.

Okay.

So... What is your favourite pizza?

-Thanks. -Thank you.

-It feels as if she knows something. -Yes.

If she's spoken to Vanja, we're in trouble.

-Yes. When was dinner with Ann-Louise? -Let's see...

Shit! In 35 minutes. You mustn't miss that.

-I'll deal with this. -How?

Never you mind. Go and change at the hotel and we'll meet at the restaurant.

-Okay? And do phone Ingrid. -I will. See you there, then.

Who is it?

It is... It's dad.

Aren't you going to answer it?

Of course.

Yes?

Well, hello.

-How are things? -All right. Low-key.

-What about you? -Not exactly low-key.

You're not forgetting to breathe?

What do you mean, forgetting to breathe?

No, nothing. So... Please turn that down, Klara.

-Did you want anything? I'm a bit busy. -No, I just wanted to...

Actually, yes. I'd...

Tomorrow is the press conference with Elvira.

Lena was wondering if you could come.

-Sorry? Lena was wondering? -And me too, of course.

But... Not really. Why?

It would mean such a lot.

It would? To...?

To me! To us.

-To you and Lena? -Please, don't do this.

It's not to show the press that we are still an item?

Ingrid...

Don't worry. I get it. As your press officer, I'd have done the same.

-It's understandable. -Maybe there's something to that.

I don't want to argue. I want an answer.

-Who'd take Klara to her riding? -I don't bloody know.

-Ask mum. -Sorry? Aja?

Yes! Or that girl...what's her name?

Nelly. Or any of the kids she could go with.

You'd be coming

to take some photos, answer some questions and perhaps even smile.

A few hours, max.

All right.

-Thanks. -If it means such a lot.

Sure.

Spike, I really

need your help.

Are you writing now?

I'm still waiting for the right idea.

I had kind of hoped for something to happen here.

That I'd get inspired.

But no.

It's too busy. Too many people.

-Negative energies. You know... -Yes.

I know.

-I think King Filip is approaching. -King Filip?

Look at the old dude now.

Now do you understand what I mean?

Never, ever let your parents decide what you do with your life.

Hello?

Mum?

I have to go into Visby and see someone who may have a job for me.

-A job? What kind of job. -I'm not quite sure.

A job...

How much?

-Not a word to Dad. -I swear.

What the...

Oh well...

-A starter? -Please let's not.

I don't want to spend any longer than I need. I'll have the zander.

I'll have the lamb.

It'd be highly appropriate with a smile, as if I'd said something witty.

And could you look deep in thought, as if I'd said something very wise.

Almedalen is becoming one big show.

-Wasn't politics always part theatre? -Absolutely not. Not to me.

-No? -No. Maybe that's where we differ.

-To me, politics is a tool for change. -And to me?

Do you know how long I've been in politics?

-Tell me. -40 years.

I chaired the local youth wing at 14.

-I became an MP at 26. -I'm not saying you lack experience...

Maybe I haven't known you very long, but you're not the first of your kind.

You appear out of nowhere - young, fresh and untainted by the political game.

You sail up into the lead, hang about for a while - and disappear.

You have no staying power. You give up.

You need to have lived with politics all your life

to understand what it means to always, always have to compromise.

That's an art.

That's why you'd be a better PM than me? Because your great at compromising?

-It's not the only reason. -No? What are the others?

-Isn't it time for a toast? -Yes, I think so.

After tomorrow's press conference the pressure on us will be massive.

We'll be pitted against one another. There will be nasty insinuations.

-Not just in the media, but internally. -It's already started.

I'd like you to know one thing, though. I like you.

I'm serious.

So I'd like to propose something.

That whatever happens, we try to keep the next few weeks civil.

No mud-slinging. No punching below the belt.

-Fair play all the way. -May the best candidate win.

May the best one win.

Cheers.

-Are you going out? -Er, yes. I'm going for a little walk.

-What about me? -Grandma and Grandpa are at home.

-But they're asleep. -Go and hang with Rasmus.

You can use his Ipad.

When I get back, I'll carry you into your bed. Okay?

-Are you coming? -I'm not quite done.

Shit! You're really going for him.

-I'm just doing my job. -Right now, your job is going out.

-I want all my journalists present. -Seriously? DJ Battle?

Come off your high horses. This is Kvällspressen, not the business section.

Just let me finish this, and I'll come.

We have a VIP table. I'll put you on the list.

-Promise me you'll be there. -Promise!

-So it begins. Are you ready? -Absolutely.

Wait - I'll buy you some wine. We don't want any allegations of bribery.

-Ann-Louise! Really? -I couldn't resist it.

-If you have to do it, why not go all in? -Absolutely.

HIDDEN NUMBER

HIDDEN NUMBER

-Hello? -Is this Josephine Sparre?

-Yes. -Good.

-Who is this? -Does not matter.

Okay. But what do you want?

-I have something interesting for you. -Really?

Yes, about David Ehrling.

Wait.

Hello?

Can you say that again, please?

I have a video of David Ehrling with two prostitutes in Moscow.

-Okay. -Kompromat, you know?

-Can I see it? -Yes, of course.

-Great. How? When? -Whenever you want. In an hour?

Just...

-Can I have your number and call you? -No, no.

-Okay. Can you call me in 20 minutes? -Yes, that sounds good.

Okay.

This is Dan Silén at Kvällspressen. Leave a message...

Hi, Dan Silén put me on the list. Josephine Sparre.

-Here. -Thanks.

Subtitle translation by: Katharina Lyckow www.plint.com