Sweden's far-right party gives up on cabinet posts amid post-election gridlock
Jimmie Åkesson said the party will stay outside government and abstain in a prime ministerial vote, easing pressure on Ulf Kristersson.
- On Friday, Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Akesson announced his party will drop demands for cabinet posts and "tolerate" a centre-right cabinet to resolve the national political deadlock.
- Describing the two-month government-formation process as a "circus," Akesson said the party is abandoning its red lines following a loss in vote share during the recent election.
- Akesson stated a period in opposition will allow the party to "renew itself ideologically" and return to a centrist stance, asserting "you're on your own" while criticizing the left block's potential to "open borders."
- The Sweden Democrats leader challenged Centre Party leader Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist to choose between a bourgeois minority government or continued cooperation with the Left Party, whom he labeled "Islamist-huggers."
- Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson may now find a path to remain in power, although Parliament Speaker Andreas Norlen could call a new election if the Centre Party maintains its current opposition.
40 Articles
40 Articles
Sweden's Far Right Drops Key Demand to End Political Paralysis
The SD's announcement could open the door for a government led by the Moderates' Ulf Kristersson. The issue lies in the hands of the Center Party. – But it still seems distant, says political science professor Tommy Möller.
According to the party's chairman, Jimmi Åkesson, this is because they want to make it possible for a bourgeois government to be formed.
The fact that the SD is abolishing the requirement for ministerial posts is welcomed by the leaders of the right-wing parties. From the red-green side, it sounds different. "Political theater," says Ida Gabrielsson (V).
Clearly, Jimmie, believes Simona Mohamsson, (L). Political theater, writes Ida Gabrielsson, (V). A welcome message, believe Ulf Kristersson (M) and Ebba Busch (KD). But from the Center Party – which has now found itself in a position where they must confess their colors – no sound has yet been heard.
The SD leader is putting the Center Party in a difficult position, writes GP's Arne Larsson after the announcement from the Sweden Democrats on the government issue.
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