Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson has publicly chastised Jimmie Akesson, the leader of the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD) party, which backs Kristersson’s administration. During his party conference, Akesson made a controversial request to seize and demolish some mosques, which sparked considerable outcry and highlighted worries about religious freedom.
During his address, Akesson called for the confiscation and demolition of mosques that propagate “anti-democratic, anti-Swedish, homophobic, anti-Semitic propaganda, or general disinformation.”
Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson, whose alliance administration is supported by the SD, called the statements “disrespectful” and “polarizing.”
Kristersson expressed his dissatisfaction, emphasizing the necessity of courteous conversation, saying, “I think it is a disrespectful way of expressing oneself, a polarizing way of expressing oneself.” This misrepresents Sweden’s international position.”
In Sweden, there is a constitutional right to freedom of religion, based on the core principle that individuals can practice their religion individually and together with others. This applies equally to all – Christians, Muslims, Jews and members of other faiths. 1/3
— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) November 25, 2023
The controversy prompted Kristersson to release a social media post confirming Sweden’s commitment to religious freedom.
He stressed that Sweden, as a society, opposes the demolition of places of worship. Rather, the country intends to handle extremism concerns within the context of a democratic state and the rule of law.
Domestic and international reactions triggered by the situation.
Subsequently, Former Social Democrat Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson requested Kristersson to remove all SD officials from Stockholm cabinet offices, citing concerns about Sweden’s image, NATO membership, and increasing polarization.
Vi befinner oss i ett allvarligt läge med en allt mer orolig omvärld och ökade spänningar i vårt land. I det läget väljer SD att attackera våra grundlagsfästa fri- och rättigheter som religionsfriheten.
— Magdalena Andersson (@magdandersson) November 26, 2023
This incident adds to a string of tensions between Sweden and Middle Eastern countries, which has included rallies and embassy crises.
Among these controversies is Sweden’s Nato application, which is awaiting certification from Hungary and Turkey.
