Svantesson dismisses fear of losing finance role to Sweden Democrats

Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson (Moderates) has rejected suggestions she fears losing her post to the Sweden Democrats after the election, telling SVT Play: “You asked if I’m afraid—I said no.”

Under a pre-election deal, the Sweden Democrats would gain ministerial posts in exchange for supporting Moderate leader Ulf Kristersson as prime minister. The finance portfolio, however, remains unassigned.

Svantesson said she is confident in her standing, noting her experience and success in securing majority support for every budget during her term. “It’s not just anyone who can do this job, and so far no Sweden Democrat has the economic policy experience I do,” she said.

She acknowledged that the alliance with the Sweden Democrats may deter voters, particularly women. Citing SCB data, support for the four centre-right “Tidö parties” stands at 34.6% among female voters, compared to 50.9% among men. “Many see SD as a burden and won’t vote for us because of them. That’s a fact,” Svantesson said.