SD Leader Urges Liberals to Reconsider Stance on Government Cooperation

The Liberal Party's executive committee is currently evaluating its future approach to government coalitions, particularly its relationship with the Sweden Democrats (SD). Party leader Simona Mohamsson has expressed support for establishing a renewed Tidö Agreement but has emphasized opposition to including SD members in ministerial positions.

Mohamsson has outlined three principal reasons for her stance. Firstly, she questions SD's conduct, citing concerns about associations with controversial activities that, in her view, are inconsistent with the standards expected of a governing party. Secondly, she asserts that SD does not align with traditional center-right values, particularly regarding market-oriented economic policies and European Union cooperation. Thirdly, she argues that SD's involvement could alienate liberal voters and jeopardize the party's support base.

In response, SD leader Jimmie Åkesson has stated via social media that following the upcoming election, his party intends either to participate fully in government or to adopt a role of complete opposition. Åkesson maintains that should the electoral outcome result in a continued majority for the Tidö coalition, which includes the Liberals, the party will need to reconsider its current position. He further suggests that the alternatives would be either to call a new election or to transfer power to opposition parties such as the Social Democrats and the Left Party.

Åkesson also referenced statements from the Liberals' previous leadership, implying that differing positions before and after elections could create confusion among voters. He reiterated that the current arrangement, in which SD supports the government without holding ministerial posts, is not a viable long-term solution.

This position has also drawn criticism from the Christian Democrats. Hans Eklind, the party's first deputy group leader in parliament, has characterized the Liberals' announcement as premature, given the significant time remaining before the next election. He highlighted the achievements of the current coalition, suggesting that continued focus should be placed on legislative results rather than coalition dynamics or ultimatums. Eklind further advised that the Liberals prioritize surpassing the parliamentary threshold over engaging in speculative political maneuvering.

Earlier this year, the Christian Democrats amended their election platform to allow for broader cooperation, including the possibility of working with both SD and the Left Party. Party leader Ebba Busch stated on social media that all responsible parties should prioritize the nation's best interests and avoid divisive debates about which parties should be permitted to implement policy.

Louise Hammargren, head of the Christian Democrats' youth organization, also criticized the Liberals' approach, suggesting that it imposes unnecessary constraints on potential alliances and detracts from concrete policy discussions. She expressed a preference for the Liberals to delay a decision on the matter until after the election results are known.

Within the Liberal Party, Mohamsson's position is reportedly aligned with influential groups, particularly from Stockholm. A group of 58 party members has submitted a petition to the party congress, aiming to secure broader support for this approach and to influence the executive committee's decision-making process. One of the petition's initiators acknowledged that while Mohamsson's announcement is a positive step, it does not fully address concerns regarding the party's collaboration with SD and the potential impact on its voter base and membership.

Conversely, some within the party, such as EU parliamentarian Karin Karlsbro, advocate for a more cooperative stance toward SD but nonetheless welcomed Mohamsson's decision to clarify the party's position ahead of the executive committee meeting.

Denice Westerberg, chair of the Sweden Democrats' youth wing, has argued that the Liberals should concentrate on securing sufficient electoral support rather than imposing restrictions on governmental alliances involving the largest party on the center-right.

The Moderate Party has been approached for comment regarding the ongoing discussions but has yet to issue a response.