Sweden Democrats leader defends high absence rate in parliament

Sweden Democrats (SD) leader Jimmie Åkesson has the highest absence rate among lawmakers in parliamentary votes, according to new figures reported by Swedish public broadcaster SVT. In a documentary, Åkesson dismissed criticism that he avoids political pressure, calling it “genuinely unfair.”

Data compiled by SVT shows Åkesson missed more votes than any other member of parliament in 2025, continuing a trend from previous years. When questioned about his frequent absences, he explained that his role requires constant travel across Sweden and abroad.

“In our party, we’ve decided that I should be available every day of the week to travel around the country—and sometimes the world,” Åkesson said in the documentary Jimmie Åkesson – Can You Handle the Pressure?

He rejected claims that his absence suggests he prefers staying in his hometown of Sölvesborg over engaging in Stockholm’s political arena. Critics have also questioned whether he could handle the demands of a ministerial position.

“I think it’s genuinely unfair to use my voting attendance as some kind of argument that I’m just sitting on the couch in Sölvesborg,” Åkesson said, dismissing such criticism as “Social Democrat spin.”

The documentary follows Åkesson from his home in Sölvesborg through the corridors of power in Stockholm to a controversial conference visit in Israel.