Liberal Party shifts rightward after Sweden Democrats deal

The Liberal Party (L) is repositioning itself as a right-leaning force in Swedish politics following its controversial cooperation agreement with the Sweden Democrats (SD), party leader Simona Mohamsson confirmed at the party’s national conference in Karlstad on Sunday, according to SVT Nyheter.

Mohamsson, who faced internal backlash after embracing SD in a policy shift last month, stated that the party’s role had changed from its previous self-described position as a “liberal anchor” in Swedish politics. “I have anchored us to the right—that’s clear,” she told delegates, adding: “I don’t think political parties should block things.”

The conference in Karlstad, the party’s last before September’s general election, saw an atmosphere of cautious optimism despite recent opinion polls showing no significant boost for the Liberals since the SD deal. Former party leader Lars Leijonborg acknowledged the turmoil, calling the past months a “terrible period” but expressing hope for a “rebirth” ahead of the election.

Internal divisions have deepened since the agreement with SD, with local branches—including half the Liberal group in Salem—announcing resignations in protest. Opinion surveys by SVT/Verian suggest the party remains below the 4% threshold needed for parliamentary representation.

Mohamsson’s leadership has faced scrutiny since she reversed the party’s long-standing rejection of SD collaboration, a move critics argue has alienated centrist voters. However, supporters at the conference framed the shift as a necessary realignment to secure influence in a fragmented political landscape.