Sweden faces a pivotal election on Sunday that could see the nationalist Sweden Democrats, a party with roots in the neo-Nazi movement, assume a formal role in government for the first time. Currently supporting the centre-right minority coalition from outside parliament, the Sweden Democrats are poised to become the largest party on the right, potentially securing more ministerial posts should Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s coalition maintain power.
Kristersson, leader of the Moderate Party, has for the first time advocated including the Sweden Democrats in the governing bloc, breaking a longstanding taboo in Swedish politics. Over recent years, the party, under leader Jimmie Åkesson, has influenced government policies on crime and asylum, despite not previously holding cabinet positions. Their agenda has resulted in some of the toughest restrictions on immigration in decades, including abolishing permanent residency for refugees and tightening welfare eligibility.
Polling suggests a tight race, with the centre-left Social Democrats, led by Magdalena Andersson, holding a narrow but diminishing lead. Andersson has expressed concerns about the Sweden Democrats' potential government role, warning that Sweden “would be a different country” if the party were to control numerous ministerial posts. She has not outlined a clear coalition plan, facing internal challenges in uniting opposition parties around divergent policy goals.
The Sweden Democrats’ involvement represents a significant realignment in Swedish politics. Once ostracized due to their extremist origins and past antisemitic associations, the party has sought to rebrand itself, issuing a formal apology for its history and attempting to broaden its appeal beyond traditional constituencies. Despite this, controversies persist, including instances of inflammatory rhetoric by party members and accusations of pro-Russian propaganda linked to its ranks. Kristersson has condemned such remarks, describing political discourse across the spectrum as “harsh,” but downplaying the issue’s significance.
Analysts note the Sweden Democrats have shifted Swedish political discourse substantially to the right, normalizing stricter approaches to immigration and crime. Their inclusion in government would align Sweden with neighboring Nordic countries such as Norway and Finland, where similar nationalist parties have entered coalitions.
The centre-right bloc credits its cooperation with the Sweden Democrats for legislative stability and policy achievements over the past four years, including eight passed budgets, contrasting with the previous centre-left government’s difficulties. The Sweden Democrats aim to consolidate gains from these policies to expand their electoral base further, targeting groups such as non-Muslim immigrants and Swedes living abroad.
The election outcome will indicate whether Swedish voters endorse this rightward shift or prefer the centre-left’s vision. Regardless of the result, the Sweden Democrats’ role in shaping Sweden’s political landscape is likely to continue growing, marking a notable development in a country long known for consensus-driven politics.