Social Democrats divided over Ardalan Shekarabi’s proposal for coalition with Moderates

A proposal by leading Social Democrat Ardalan Shekarabi to form a government with the centre-right Moderate Party after the next election has sparked sharp internal criticism, reports Swedish public broadcaster SVT Nyheter.

Shekarabi, the party’s labour market policy spokesperson, suggested in an interview with Dagens Industri that a joint Social Democrat-Moderate government could serve Sweden’s interests amid global instability. “Even in a shared government,” he said. “The two parties that have traditionally held the prime minister’s office taking responsibility would be good for the country.”

His remarks have drawn backlash from within the party. Niklas Karlsson, a Social Democrat MP for Skåne, wrote on Facebook that while broad agreements on defence and security were welcome, “a Swedish government between Social Democrats and Moderates is a particularly bad idea.” He called the Moderates a “main opponent” and argued such a coalition should only occur in extreme circumstances, like an armed attack.

Annie Ross, chair of the party’s Reformist faction—which advocates ending profit-driven welfare and reducing economic inequality—said she saw “no credible policy alignment” with the Moderates. “We need to focus on substantive issues,” Ross told SVT.

Karina Cubilla, editorial writer for the left-wing labour newspaper Arbetet, criticised the timing of Shekarabi’s comments, six months before the election, as “confusing.” She noted that party leader Magdalena Andersson had avoided detailed discussion of government formation, leaving Shekarabi’s statement unanswered.

SVT Nyheter has sought comment from Shekarabi.