A close aide to Ebba Busch criticized the Sweden Democrats (SD) on Instagram, calling them the 'root of all evil in Swedish politics.' This has been seen as a breach of the Tidö parties' respect clause by SD's Tobias Andersson. The incident highlights underlying tensions within the coalition, especially after failed energy talks. The post was quickly removed, with the Christian Democrats acknowledging the mistake.
Ebba Busch's Aide Criticizes SD: 'Root of All Evil in Swedish Politics'
Ebba Busch's Aide Criticizes SD: 'Root of All Evil in Swedish Politics'
A close aide to Ebba Busch referred to the Sweden Democrats (SD) as the 'root of all evil in Swedish politics' in an Instagram story. SD's top member, Tobias Andersson, views this as a violation of the Tidö parties' respect clause.
– I have raised this with our coordination for handling, he says.
The Christian Democrats' leader claims she hasn't seen the post but the party is now backtracking.
On Monday, the government's autumn budget will be presented. It is an expansive budget featuring billion-dollar investments in various areas where the Tidö parties have agreed on a common political line.
However, behind the seemingly united front, a conflict is brewing.
After energy talks concluded without a cross-party agreement, the Sweden Democrats have been singled out as an obstacle. The party's opposition to state funding for wind power is reportedly hindering broader cooperation.
Aide's Jab
This has led to internal frustration within the Christian Democrats. Late Thursday evening, a close aide to Ebba Busch posted a similar message on Instagram.
In a temporary story post, which typically disappears after 24 hours, the aide wrote that the Sweden Democrats are the 'root of all evil in Swedish politics.'
The text appears over a picture of Ebba Busch at SVT with the Aktuellt studio in the background.
When Expressen questioned Ebba Busch about the post on Thursday, she said she hadn't seen it and downplayed the conflict.
– What is the context, I wonder? Yes, I will need to look into it.
– But it is well known that we have a very good cooperation with the Liberals, Moderates, and Sweden Democrats. That is my fundamental view, says Ebba Busch.
SD: Violation of Respect Clause
The Tidö parties have agreed not to speak ill of each other publicly. Tobias Andersson (SD) sees the post as a clear violation of their so-called respect clause.
– We have established routines for handling violations of the respect clause. I have raised it with our coordination and press department for further handling.
– My focus today is on all the good that the Tidö parties are doing thanks to SD, not on immature posts from an aide.
What do you think the aide was referring to in their post?
– It is possible that he wished to see tax billions for offshore wind and is disappointed with the result, says Tobias Andersson.
KD: 'Sometimes Mistakes Happen'
Expressen has contacted the Christian Democrats, who responded that the post has now been removed.
'Sometimes mistakes happen. An aide expressed themselves incorrectly to close friends on Instagram. The text was factually incorrect and the aide immediately removed it when we became aware. No one in the staff knew it was written. It was bad and such things should not happen,' writes Sara Borgström, the Christian Democrats' communications chief, in a written statement to Expressen.