Sweden Democrats gather in Norrköping to unify local policy ahead of elections

This weekend, the Sweden Democrats are holding their municipal and regional sessions in Norrköping. As they approach the midpoint of their term and the Tidö Agreement, the party aims to unify its direction for local policy. During a speech on Saturday, party leader Jimmie Åkesson proclaimed that the party has entered a “delivery phase.” He characterized the Sweden Democrats as the winners of the election but acknowledged that negotiations are necessary since other parties command 80% of the votes.

Åkesson claimed that it can be incredibly frustrating at times, realizing that others may not understand the party’s position. This week, the government and the party announced a revised Tidö Agreement, which includes stricter requirements for Swedish citizenship and clarifications regarding controversial disclosure obligations. Despite setbacks, the Sweden Democrats have reported other negotiation successes.

Åkesson remarked that the Tidö Agreement is a temporary solution and indicated that they will not support a government in which they are not included after the next election. Reflecting on the current governance coalition, he expressed a preference for achieving “50% right rather than 100% wrong.” He also criticized the government using the term “decency” several times in reference to what he sees as the opposition’s failures.

He questioned the distorted reality where those responsible for various issues are perceived as decent. Furthermore, Åkesson emphasized that support for Israel should match that for Ukraine, describing it as a struggle between a democratic state and terrorist organizations. He expressed disappointment in the government for not taking a clear stance against the arrest warrant issued for Prime Minister Netanyahu.