The Swedish government faces criticism for its conflicting stance on accepting patients from Gaza, with the Center Party urging Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to clarify Sweden's position. The split within the government, particularly between the ruling coalition and the Sweden Democrats, raises concerns about Sweden's credibility as a foreign policy actor.
Controversy Over Kristersson's Silence: Conflicting Messages on Gaza Aid
Controversy Over Kristersson's Silence: Conflicting Messages on Gaza Aid
The Swedish government and the Sweden Democrats are divided over whether Sweden should accept patients from Gaza. The conflicting messages have drawn criticism from the Center Party.
"It's unacceptable for the Prime Minister to remain silent," says Kerstin Lundgren, foreign policy spokesperson.
The government does not rule out accepting injured individuals from Gaza, according to Health Minister Acko Ankarberg Johansson (KD). This stance has angered the Sweden Democrats.
"We believe it's a misprioritization," said SD leader Jessica Stegrud to Expressen.
According to Ankarberg Johansson, the government's position is not new. The minister has otherwise declined to comment.
The Center Party is now reacting to the division.
"Once again, the Tidö parties are giving mixed messages, highlighting an obvious split in views on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Center Party has been advocating for months for Sweden to accept patients from Gaza, just as many other European countries already do," says Kerstin Lundgren, the Center Party's foreign policy spokesperson.
"It's About Sweden's Credibility"
The Center Party leader accuses Ulf Kristersson (M) of being silent on the issue. She also points out that there have been mixed messages about Sweden's stance towards Israel, with Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch (KD) attempting to downplay the government's tougher policy.
"Ulf Kristersson must now take a stand on the government's position—both on the issue of treating patients from Gaza and on the EU's trade agreement with Israel. This is about Sweden's credibility as a foreign policy actor," says Kerstin Lundgren.
Similar criticism was recently voiced by Magdalena Andersson, who accused the Prime Minister of losing control over his government.
"That the Deputy Prime Minister and the Prime Minister are pursuing different lines on an important foreign policy issue is completely unique. And it doesn't send a good image of Sweden abroad," said the Social Democratic leader.