Sweden Democrats leader criticises wind power in heated energy debate

Swedish Democracy leader Jimmie Åkesson has dismissed wind power as “populism,” sparking a clash with opposition parties during Sunday’s party leader debate on energy policy, SVT Nyheter reports.

The debate opened with a vote on whether the government’s plans for new nuclear power should be implemented. A majority—including the ruling Tidö parties and the Social Democrats—voted in favour, while the Centre and Green parties opposed the proposal and the Left Party abstained.

Åkesson argued that Sweden already has excessive wind power capacity when conditions are windy, insisting the country needs reliable baseload energy. “We have far too much [power] when it’s windy,” he said. “What we need is baseload, and that means nuclear.”

Green Party leader Amanda Lind countered that Åkesson’s stance has stalled wind energy expansion, noting that 92% of new global energy capacity comes from renewables. “It’s clear Jimmie Åkesson is the reason wind power development has been smothered,” she said.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (Moderates) defended a mixed approach, stating Sweden must avoid dependence on “dangerous and unstable countries” by combining hydropower, nuclear, and wind. Social Democrats leader Magdalena Andersson echoed support for both new nuclear and offshore wind, criticising the government for failing to reach a broad energy agreement last year.

The exchange reflects ongoing divisions over Sweden’s energy transition ahead of the 2026 election, with nuclear power and renewables remaining key points of contention.