Former Left Party Members Launch New Political Movement in Sweden

A group of former Left Party representatives have announced the creation of a new political organization known as 'Future's Left.' The announcement was made in the Swedish parliament, where around ten founding members, including individuals with backgrounds in student activism, social welfare, and rural communities, outlined their vision for the new party.

The initiative is spearheaded by Lorena Delgado Varas and Daniel Riazat, both of whom previously served as members of the Left Party. They will jointly lead the organization until its first party congress, scheduled for February. The party's primary aim is to secure representation in several municipal and regional councils in the upcoming elections, rather than focusing on parliamentary seats at the national level.

According to Daniel Riazat, the party currently operates ten local branches across Sweden's major cities, with plans to double this number by the end of the year. The organizational model emphasizes grassroots participation, with funding sourced from membership contributions described as a 'party tax.'

'Future's Left' has outlined a platform centered on issues such as affordable housing, climate action, labor rights, international solidarity, social justice, gender equality, and equal living conditions. The party has also expressed a critical stance toward the arms industry, including arms exports to conflict zones such as Ukraine. Instead, the movement advocates for increased humanitarian aid to Ukraine and a stronger focus on diplomatic solutions to international conflicts.

The formation of the new party follows the departure of Delgado Varas and Riazat from the Left Party. Both left their previous positions after the initiation of expulsion procedures. The circumstances leading to their exit involved a social media post by Delgado Varas that was reported by the Swedish Jewish Central Council for alleged antisemitic content, a claim which led to significant internal party conflict. Riazat publicly supported his colleague and criticized the party's handling of the situation.

Currently, both Delgado Varas and Riazat serve as independent members of parliament, joining a small group of so-called 'political independents' in the Swedish legislature. Their new initiative marks an attempt to realign the left-wing political landscape in Sweden by addressing a range of policy areas and seeking to build a durable, member-driven political force. The party's leadership stresses that their objective is to establish a lasting influence in Swedish politics, rather than pursuing short-term media attention or rapid electoral gains.

With the establishment of 'Future's Left,' the political spectrum in Sweden may see the emergence of a new left-wing alternative aiming to participate primarily at local and regional levels, while promoting policies based on social justice, equality, and international cooperation.