Swedish Minister's Banana Phobia Gains Attention

Swedish Gender Equality Minister Paulina Brandberg has become a subject of national attention due to her phobia of bananas, which has led her staff to ensure that meeting venues are free of the fruit. Leaked emails from Brandberg's team to various agencies, including the Norwegian Judicial Agency and the Swedish Parliament, request that no bananas be present in spaces she occupies, citing a 'strong allergy' as the reason, although Brandberg herself describes it as more of a phobia. She has admitted to seeking professional help for this unusual fear, which she previously referred to as 'the world's weirdest phobia' in now-deleted social media posts. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and other politicians have defended Brandberg, emphasizing respect for individuals with phobias. The attention on this matter underscores broader discussions on public figures' personal challenges and the sensitivity required in addressing them.