Blomkvist is leaving Millennium of his own choice. “He’s exhausted after the drama
of recent months and needs time off,” says Berger, who will take over the role of
publisher.
Blomkvist was one of the founders of Millennium, started in 1990. Berger does not
think that the magazine will suffer in the wake of the so-called “Wennerström
affair.”
The magazine will come out as usual next month, says Berger.
“Mikael Blomkvist has played a major role in the magazine’s development, but now
we’re turning a new page.”
Berger states that she regards the Wennerström affair as the result of a series of
unfortunate circumstances. She regrets the nuisance to which Hans-Erik
Wennerström was subjected. Blomkvist could not be reached for comment.
“It makes me mad,” Berger said when the press release was emailed out. “Most
people are going to think that you’re an idiot and I’m a bitch who’s taking the
opportunity to sack you.”
“At least our friends will have something new to laugh about.” Blomkvist tried to
make light of it; she was not the least amused.
“I don’t have a plan B, but I think we’re making a mistake,” she said.
“It’s the only way out. If the magazine collapses, all our years of work will have been
in vain. We’ve already taken a beating on the ads revenue. How did it go with the
computer company, by the way?”
She sighed. “They told me this morning that they didn’t want to take space in the
next issue.”
“Wennerström has a chunk of stock in that company, so it’s no accident.”
“We can scare up some new clients. Wennerström may be a big wheel, but he
doesn’t own everything in Sweden, and we have our contacts.”
Blomkvist put an arm around her and pulled her close.