Jessica Stegrud of the Sweden Democrats faces backlash after calling Parisa Liljestrand and Lawen Redar by their ethnic backgrounds. The remarks have sparked criticism within her own party and from political colleagues, overshadowing other political discussions. The incident highlights tensions between nationalist and broader political perspectives in Sweden.
Controversy Erupts Over SD's Jessica Stegrud's Remarks
Controversy Erupts Over SD's Jessica Stegrud's Remarks
Jessica Stegrud, a prominent figure in the Sweden Democrats (SD), referred to Parisa Liljestrand (M) and Lawen Redar (S) as "a Swedish-born Kurd and a Persian," sparking criticism within her own party.
"Now Jimmie will have to talk about this instead of negotiation victories," an SD source commented.
On Wednesday, colleagues from the Tidö Agreement, ministers, and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson lined up to criticize Stegrud.
Even within the Sweden Democrats, criticism is brewing.
"People are frustrated that Jessica Stegrud attacks two prime examples of successful integration," an SD source said.
The internal criticism suggests that Stegrud implies Parisa Liljestrand and Lawen Redar are not sufficiently Swedish.
"Now Jimmie will have to talk about this instead of negotiation victories," another source added.
Stegrud herself claims she has been misunderstood.
"There is no value judgment in the word spoken," she wrote to Expressen.
"Perhaps Not the Hill to Die On"
Debater Chang Frick, who previously worked for SD, suggests that anyone can make "Twitter blunders."
"A more interesting question is what reasoning and thought patterns lie behind the blunders. This becomes such a charged scandal because the tweet can be interpreted as a form of ethno-nationalism, that only those with the right pedigree can discuss Swedish culture. It becomes the same kind of ideas as, for example, only racialized people can have dreadlocks."
Some battles may be worth fighting against the rest of the Tidö parties, he says.
"But arguing about whether the Minister of Culture has the right pedigree or ethnic background to talk about Swedish culture is perhaps not the hill to die on."
Hagnell: Taboo Topic
Jacob Hagnell, a national leader with a background in SD and whose largest client is the party's communications department, believes the storm of criticism will pass.
"The internet will find something new to rage over."
The dispute highlights the difference between the bourgeoisie and the more nationalist SD, he says.
"Stegrud approaches this from a nationalist perspective, and because it is a taboo topic, it causes a short circuit in the political conversation. And the political class becomes furious."
Jacob Hagnell believes that controversial statements from SD politicians make the party stand out more from the rest of the right.
"It is usually rewarded in public opinion."