Doubts Emerge Over Liberals' Stance on Sweden Democrats in Future Government

At the recent Liberal Party meeting in Karlstad, the focus was predominantly on education policy, with little discussion of broader political issues. This strategic emphasis appears to be an effort by the party leadership to shift attention away from ongoing debates surrounding government formation and to restore voter confidence in the party's traditional stronghold: school policy.

Notably, the party's leader did not address a significant decision made during the meeting: the Liberals' position to oppose Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson if he includes Sweden Democrats (SD) ministers in his cabinet. Instead, considerable effort was dedicated to highlighting support for the current coalition agreement, known as the Tidö Agreement, which involves cooperation with several parties, including the Sweden Democrats.

This approach reflects an ongoing strategy to reassure voters who back the coalition by emphasizing the Liberals' support for the agreement while minimizing focus on potential threats to its stability. Simultaneously, in Örebro, the leader of the Sweden Democrats reaffirmed his party's uncompromising stance: the Sweden Democrats will either participate directly in government after the next election or move into opposition, reiterating a consistent message held for several years.

The contrast between the two parties is stark. The Sweden Democrats currently enjoy support from approximately one-fifth of Swedish voters and have maintained a clear and consistent position on government participation. In contrast, the Liberals, with significantly lower poll numbers, have adjusted their position several times regarding cooperation with the Sweden Democrats and their role in government, leading to uncertainty among both voters and political observers.

Historically, the Liberals have set strict boundaries regarding collaboration with the Sweden Democrats, initially vowing to prevent SD from influencing policy. Over time, these boundaries have shifted. The party eventually permitted collaboration on specific policy issues, then on budget matters, and made concessions in policy areas such as migration, justice, climate, aid, and culture. The latest position sets a new limit: opposition to any Sweden Democrats holding ministerial posts.

This pattern of shifting red lines has raised questions about the credibility of the Liberals' commitments. While the party's leadership maintains its stance against SD ministers, other parties, as well as voters, have expressed skepticism regarding the durability of these pledges. The Prime Minister has indicated confidence that any disagreements within the coalition can be resolved, and has made visits to both parties' meetings to maintain unity.

Speculation persists over whether the Liberals' current position will endure through the next election. There are concerns that the party's stance risks alienating both supporters of the coalition and those opposed to the Sweden Democrats' influence. With the party's polling figures remaining low, there is increased pressure on the leadership to reconsider its approach as the election draws nearer, with party survival potentially taking precedence over previously stated principles.

The leader of the Sweden Democrats appears unconvinced that the Liberals will ultimately block his party's participation in government, viewing their shifting positions as a risk to the coalition's electoral prospects. Without a unified strategy among the coalition parties, the distribution of ministerial posts remains uncertain in the event of victory.