Åkesson’s “Why so sour?” jab splits political reaction

Jimmie Åkesson’s question to Magdalena Andersson during a TV4 party leaders’ debate has drawn criticism from opposition politicians and praise from some figures on the right, SVT reports. Political commentators have largely described the Sweden Democrats leader’s remark as a blunder.

“Why are you so sour?” Åkesson asked the Social Democratic leader during the debate. Andersson responded by criticising the Tidö parties’ policies, while the exchange quickly became a topic of discussion on social media, where Åkesson received both praise and criticism.

Christian Democratic leader Ebba Busch said she objected to comments about the mood of women in positions of power.

“We women are also often told that we should smile more often, but that is not the function we fulfil in politics,” Busch said.

Opposition politicians also criticised Åkesson. Green Party spokesperson Amanda Lind called the remark “unworthy” and said it was not appropriate for a Swedish party leader to make such a comment. She described it as a form of dominance tactic.

“It is old-fashioned of Åkesson to call Magda sour. Dominance tactics and mockery are driving this election campaign,” Ida Gabrielsson, the Left Party’s party secretary, wrote on X.

Several politicians on the right, however, said Åkesson’s question was effective. Moderate Party MP Katarina Tolgfors quoted the remark in a post on X and added an emoji indicating a direct hit. Sweden Democrats deputy party leader Henrik Vinge wrote: “Why is Magdalena Andersson so sour when things are going well for Sweden?”

Political commentators appeared largely to agree that the comment had backfired. Svenska Dagbladet commentator Henrik Torehammar questioned whether Åkesson had handed Andersson a new slogan, while Expressen commentator Viktor Barth-Kron said he was surprised by the response from such an experienced politician.

“It is almost incomprehensible how such an experienced politician as the Sweden Democrats leader could offer such an opening in an important television debate,” Barth-Kron wrote.

Later in the evening, Åkesson hit back at Busch’s criticism, telling Aftonbladet: “Why Ebba and the Christian Democrats are playing along with such a parody is actually surprising. Has the flirting with the Social Democrats gone too far?”