Sweden held general elections on Sunday in a closely contested vote that could see the hardline populist Sweden Democrats enter government for the first time. The party, which campaigns on a nationalist and anti-immigration platform, has steadily increased its influence in recent years, prompting debate about the country’s future political direction.

The Sweden Democrats were founded in 1988, initially rooted in radical nationalist ideology with links to neo-Nazi elements, according to an internal investigation. However, under the leadership of Jimmie Åkesson since 2005, the party has sought to distance itself from its extremist past, expelling openly racist members and promoting a strict anti-racism policy. This rebranding has helped the party grow from a marginalized movement into a significant political force. Leading figures and political analysts note Åkesson’s ability to communicate complex issues in accessible terms has broadened the party’s appeal beyond its original base.

Sweden’s ruling centre-right minority government, led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, currently depends on parliamentary support from the Sweden Democrats. Kristersson argues that forming a stable majority coalition, including the Sweden Democrats, is necessary to address pressing issues such as national security and gang-related crime. Some members of the conservative bloc view this alliance as a pragmatic means to contain the far-right's influence while ensuring governmental stability.

The party’s platform for 2026 outlines plans to sharply reduce immigration, implement stricter penalties for criminal offenses, deport foreign nationals accused of serious crimes, and lower fuel and energy costs. Although asylum applications to Sweden have plummeted by 96 percent since the peak of the 2015 refugee crisis—when Sweden accepted 163,000 asylum seekers, among the highest per capita in Europe—the Sweden Democrats advocate even tougher migration policies. Recently, the party launched an initiative offering financial incentives, amounting to roughly 350,000 Swedish crowns ($37,000), to encourage migrants to voluntarily leave the country.

Despite the divisive domestic debate over immigration and national identity, there is broad consensus among Sweden’s main political parties regarding foreign policy, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Analysts highlight almost unanimous support within Sweden for aiding Ukraine and a strong distrust of Russia, which is widely viewed as the country’s principal security threat.

Observers both inside and outside Sweden are watching closely to see whether the electorate will endorse a shift toward a far-right political agenda or maintain a more moderate course. The election outcomes could shape Swedish politics profoundly, influencing the nation’s approach to integration, security, and its role on the international stage for years to come.