Swedish budget adds $5 bln to measures to fight COVID, boost recovery

STOCKHOLM, April 15 (Reuters) - Sweden's centre-left government said it would boost spending by 45 billion crowns ($5.31 billion)in its spring budget to fight the ongoing pandemic and support a shift to a fossil free economy as the crisis eases.

Sweden has avoided strict lockdowns periodically adopted across much of the continent and by Sweden's Nordic neighbours, helping soften the blow to the economy, which shrank a modest 2.8% last year. But the pandemic has nevertheless forced the government into extraordinary measures to support companies and individuals, as well as meeting soaring healthcare costs.