Liberal Party minister stands by 2018 claim that Sweden Democrats are racist

Sweden’s Liberal Party climate minister Romina Pourmokhtari has reaffirmed her 2018 statement calling the Sweden Democrats (SD) a “racist party with Nazi roots,” despite her party’s recent decision to open the door to SD joining a future government, Swedish public broadcaster SVT reports.

In an interview with SVT’s *Taxi Fouad*—recorded before Liberal leader Simona Mohamsson announced the party’s shift in policy—Pourmokhtari stated she has not changed her view of SD after negotiating with them.

**”I still hold the same opinions I had when I published that post,”** she said, referring to her 2018 social media statement. **”The representatives I meet live up to my expectations of what SD is as a party.”** When asked directly if she believes SD has expressed racist views, she replied: **”You don’t need to correct yourself on that.”**

Pourmokhtari acknowledged that cooperation with SD has taken a personal toll but framed it as a necessity to implement Liberal policies. **”What matters is solving societal problems with those the people have voted for,”** she said. **”The government question isn’t about how much or little you like SD.”**

The minister added that while the collaboration is difficult, she believes voters recognise the party’s efforts: **”Many see that we’re rolling up our sleeves, getting our hands dirty, and doing the work when it’s tough. But yes, it wears on you.”**

SD’s press secretary, Oskar Cavalli-Björkman, responded in writing to Pourmokhtari’s remarks, calling them confusing. **”Frankly, I struggle to understand this. Romina is a kind person, always pleasant in our interactions. Either she’s a textbook example of someone who’s superficially friendly, or this must be some misunderstanding,”** he said. **”I know for certain she likes us as much as we like her.”**

Pourmokhtari’s press secretary confirmed she is currently on parental leave and will not comment further.