Busch rules out serving as Social Democrats’ support partner

Christian Democrats leader Ebba Busch has rejected accusations that she is moving closer to the Social Democrats, telling SVT that she will not help Magdalena Andersson form a government.

With 10 days remaining before the election and the opposition ahead in opinion polls, Busch has faced claims that she is courting the Social Democrats. Jimmie Åkesson of the Sweden Democrats, her partner in the Tidö cooperation, has been among those questioning whether she can be trusted.

“I will not be a support partner for the Social Democrats,” Busch said in SVT’s interview. “It is not my job to help Magdalena Andersson put together her fantasy government.”

However, Busch said she would be willing to cooperate across political blocs during a serious crisis and to take responsibility for Sweden in an exceptional situation.

She also said she would go into opposition if the Tidö cooperation loses the election. From there, she would continue to campaign for nuclear power, stricter migration policy, prioritising families with children and transferring responsibility for healthcare from the regions to the state.

Busch repeated her demand that healthcare be nationalised and sharply criticised Sweden’s municipalities and regions. She has previously said she would not join a government that does not nationalise healthcare, a position not supported by either Andersson or Moderate Party leader Ulf Kristersson.

Asked whether that condition would make it possible for her to join any government, Busch replied that it was a strong reason for voters to choose the Christian Democrats.