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.