There was panic in Sweden on Tuesday after the country’s newly appointed Health Minister, Elisabet Lann, collapsed during her very first press conference. The dramatic incident unfolded just moments after she had concluded her remarks and while other speakers on stage were sharing a lighthearted exchange.
A video of the event shows that as Lann suddenly collapsed, her lectern fell to the ground, prompting an immediate rush by security personnel and officials present to assist her. The minister received prompt medical attention at the venue, and after regaining her composure, she returned to the stage to explain what had happened.
Speaking briefly to reporters, Lann clarified that she fainted due to a sudden drop in blood sugar levels. She reassured attendees that the situation was under control and thanked those who had come to her aid.
Local reports confirm that Elisabet Lann was officially announced as Sweden’s Health Minister on Monday, September 9, just a day after her predecessor, Acko Ankarberg Johansson, unexpectedly resigned. Her sudden collapse during her first official outing has raised concern but also highlighted the pressures that come with stepping into such a high-profile role at a critical time.
The incident sparked widespread reaction both in Sweden and internationally, with many expressing relief that the minister recovered quickly. Government officials have not indicated whether she will undergo further medical evaluation, but her statement suggested that the episode was a minor health scare rather than a serious condition.
Meanwhile, in a separate development that shook the international community on the same day, multiple explosions rocked Doha, the capital of Qatar. Israeli media reported that the blasts were the result of a targeted attack against senior Hamas officials. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from areas near some embassies in the city following the explosions.
In a statement, the Israeli military confirmed it carried out strikes in Doha, claiming that the operation was an assassination attempt aimed at top Hamas leaders. The army stated that the action was part of efforts to neutralize Hamas leadership operating outside the Gaza Strip.
According to Al Jazeera, a Hamas source disclosed that the attack specifically targeted members of the Hamas negotiating team. At the time of the strikes, the team was reportedly in Doha to discuss the latest ceasefire proposal put forward by the United States, which has been pushing for de-escalation in the ongoing conflict.
The development in Qatar has heightened regional tensions, as the presence of Hamas leaders in Doha has long been a point of contention. The attack also raises concerns about the safety of diplomatic zones, given the proximity of the explosions to areas housing several embassies.
Tuesday’s events underscored a day of unexpected crises on both domestic and international fronts — from the health scare of a newly appointed Swedish minister to escalating tensions in the Middle East following targeted strikes in Qatar. While Elisabet Lann’s fainting spell appeared to be a temporary setback, the Doha explosions may carry far-reaching consequences for diplomatic negotiations and regional stability.
