David Lång, who resigned from the Swedish Parliament following a controversial incident at the Sweden Democrats' election night, is now leading the party's list for the upcoming church election in Stockholm. Despite his past actions, Lång has received strong support within the party for his candidacy, as the Sweden Democrats aim to increase their influence in church politics.
David Lång Leads SD's List in Church Election After Controversial Exit
David Lång Leads SD's List in Church Election
David Lång resigned as a Member of Parliament after a racist song incident at the Sweden Democrats' election night. Now, he tops the party's list for the church election.
During the Sweden Democrats' EU election night last June, David Lång chanted the words "ausländer raus" – out with the foreigners – in front of an Expressen reporter. The song is a new version of the eurodisco track "L’Amour Toujours," which spread in anti-immigration and racist circles last year after a viral video from Germany.
When Lång realized he was being recorded, he attempted to snatch the recorder from the reporter's hand. He was then asked to leave and departed the event.
The following day, Lång also left his seat in Parliament, which he had held since the Sweden Democrats' entry in 2010. However, he retained his position in the church assembly, the highest decision-making body of the Church of Sweden.
Now, it is clear that David Lång aims to continue his engagement in the church. Ahead of the church election this fall, he tops the SD's list in Stockholm.
“He Has Taken Responsibility”
According to Ronnie Nilsson, chairman of the Sweden Democrats in the Church of Sweden, there has been strong support for David Lång's candidacy, both in the board and in the nomination group.
– We must distinguish between regular politics and church politics. He has not embarrassed himself in church politics but has contributed well there. He has taken responsibility for what he did at the EU election night and left Parliament. Thus, the matter is settled for us.
Ronnie Nilsson emphasizes that Lång, to avoid a conflict of interest, did not participate when the board decided on his place on the list. The same applies to Nilsson himself, who is also a candidate.
The church election will be held on September 21, and the ambition is for the Sweden Democrats to increase their influence.
– We have nearly 1000 candidates, and we see a very large increase in interest across the country in engaging in church politics. It's many more than last time, says Ronnie Nilsson.
Expressen has sought David Lång.