Magdalena Andersson criticizes the Swedish government after a controversial demonstration outside a Jewish school in Stockholm. The protest, aimed at an event discussing the Gaza conflict, drew backlash for its location and timing. Andersson condemns the use of derogatory language by government officials, urging for leadership to reduce polarization.
Andersson Criticizes Government Over Stockholm Demonstration
Andersson Criticizes Government Over Stockholm Demonstration
Protesters outside the Jewish school in Stockholm faced strong reactions. Magdalena Andersson now criticizes the government after the leader of the Moderate Party called them "beasts."
"In Sweden, we don't call each other beasts for standing silently and demonstrating," she says. She has also criticized the demonstration itself.
The demonstration outside the Jewish Hillel School in Stockholm took place on Monday evening.
The Jewish cultural center Bajit, located near the school, hosted a meeting with Eldar Maider, described as having "extensive military experience" from Israel, to discuss "current topics" including the Gaza conflict.
According to the protesters, it was this event they were protesting against, but the location near the school received harsh criticism.
"This is not about freedom of speech, but about creating fear and terror among children living in Sweden, whose families have been persecuted for generations. I feel only disgust towards those who do this," wrote Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M).
Protesters Called Beasts
The Foreign Minister also shared a post from Mattias Karlsson, the Moderate Party's group leader in parliament, who wrote:
"Those who do this are not activists, they are beasts."
Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson also criticized the demonstration, calling it "deeply inappropriate."
"Swedish Jews bear no responsibility for Netanyahu's far-right government's actions," she further wrote.
Andersson's Criticism
On Wednesday, Andersson commented again on the incident, now criticizing the government. According to her, Mattias Karlsson's statement crossed a line.
"In Sweden, we don't call people beasts," Andersson writes and continues:
"It increases polarization and harms our country. Ulf Kristersson has a responsibility to show leadership and take a stand against both his Foreign Minister and group leader."
For Expressen, she elaborates:
"In Sweden, we don't call each other beasts for standing silently and demonstrating. And I think Ulf Kristersson needs to clarify his stance on leading Moderates calling Swedish Jews beasts. What are the consequences?"
Andersson maintains her previous criticism that it was an inappropriate place to demonstrate.
"Given the great fear among Jewish children, youth, and parents, I understood that the action would create concern. The risk of children coming out from school or activities made it inappropriate."
But of course, the group should be allowed to demonstrate for their opinions, she continues.
"It's the timing that can be criticized."
Do you think politicians can react too quickly when seeing something in the flow and perhaps before all facts are known?
"There can be both a point and a risk in marking quickly. Then you have to find a balance in between," says Magdalena Andersson.
Behind the demonstration was a group calling itself the "Jewish Anti-Zionist Alliance." After the criticism, Alexandra Esser, who participated, said the manifestation took place after school hours.
"It was 5:30 PM. There were no children there," she told Aftonbladet.