David Lång, a former Swedish MP for the Sweden Democrats, is leading the party's list in the church elections despite past controversies. His candidacy has sparked criticism from the Social Democrats, who question the party's decision to place him in a prominent church role after deeming him too extreme for parliament.
Controversy as David Lång Leads SD in Church Elections Amid Scandal
Controversy as David Lång Leads SD in Church Elections Amid Scandal
David Lång tops the Sweden Democrats' list in the church elections following the scandal at the party's EU election night. The decision faces criticism from Social Democrat leader Jesper Eneroth.
"Chanting 'Ausländer raus' is far removed from the church's fundamental values," he says.
David Lång, a long-time member of the Swedish parliament for the Sweden Democrats, left parliament last year after chanting the racist song "Ausländer raus" at the party's EU election night. When he realized that an Expressen reporter was recording the song, he attempted to seize the equipment.
Lång has remained active in church politics, and for the church elections on September 21, he tops the SD list in Stockholm.
"We should separate regular politics from church politics. He hasn't misbehaved in church politics but has contributed well there," said Ronnie Nilsson, chairman of the Sweden Democrats in the Church of Sweden, to Expressen.
Social Democrats' Criticism: "Too Far-Right"
The Social Democrats strongly react to David Lång's continued trust.
"If SD considers a candidate too far-right for parliament, they send him to become a top name in the Church of Sweden instead. It certainly raises some questions," says Jesper Eneroth, chairman of the Social Democratic church meeting group.
Eneroth does not accept SD's explanation that one should separate parliament from church politics. Chanting "Ausländer raus" is not compatible with the church's values, he argues.
"I dare say we have a very large consensus in the Church of Sweden, between different groups and parties, when it comes to humanity, respect, solidarity, and care. But the Sweden Democrats clearly stand for something entirely different."
Isn't giving people a second chance also part of the church's values?
"I don't think chanting 'Ausländer raus' is particularly close to the Church of Sweden's fundamental values. And as I said, it raises the question of when SD considers a candidate trustworthy. If one is too far-right for parliament, they fit in the Church of Sweden. This, if anything, clarifies that this is a values election," says Jesper Eneroth.
Expressen has sought David Lång.