Andersson and Kristersson clash over nuclear and offshore wind power

Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson clashed over nuclear power and offshore wind power during a TV4 debate, SVT reported.

Kristersson pointed to the Green Party and Left Party, while Andersson blamed the Sweden Democrats for obstructing future electricity production in Sweden.

Andersson said the Sweden Democrats were waging “culture wars” against new green technology and investments in offshore wind farms. She identified offshore wind and changed financial conditions as measures that could quickly increase electricity production.

“We were told by Jimmie Åkesson yesterday that there will be no new electricity production in Sweden over the coming decade,” Andersson said.

Kristersson said his goal was for Sweden to become nationally energy-independent through “massive amounts of nuclear and hydropower, and quite a lot of wind power”. He said this would provide a stable foundation for companies planning major investments in Sweden.

Andersson said the goal sounded good but could not be achieved together with Åkesson. “I am the one you should work with instead,” she said.

Kristersson responded that offshore wind farms also take time to build and said the parties were relatively aligned on nuclear power. The problem, he said, was that the Left Party and the Green Party were “dead against” nuclear power, creating uncertainty over what would happen if there were a change of government.

Andersson said new nuclear power would also be built under her policies. She accused Kristersson of refusing to reach an agreement during cross-party energy talks.

Kristersson said Social Democrats wanted to win power with parties they were fundamentally afraid of. Andersson replied that Social Democrats never abandon an agreement.