Jessica Stegrud Responds to Criticism: 'I Seem Completely Crazy'

Swedish Democrat leader Jessica Stegrud still enjoys the full confidence of her party leadership. She stated this in Kvartal's Friday interview.

– Of course, I seem completely crazy.

Jessica Stegrud, a member of parliament, has been at the center of controversy in recent weeks.

The first storm involved a post on X about Minister of Culture Parisa Liljestrand (M) and Lawen Redar (S), the Social Democrats' cultural policy spokesperson.

She wrote: “It's telling that a Swedish-born Kurd and a Persian are debating a Swedish cultural canon on Aktuellt.”

Shortly thereafter, it was revealed that Stegrud was involved in filming when activist Nick Alinia, associated with far-right circles, followed and confronted two young men this summer.

Feels Supported

Since then, she has faced sharp criticism from both the left and the right.

However, Jessica Stegrud still feels she has the trust of both the party leadership and “ordinary people,” she says in Kvartal's Friday interview.

– I feel a very strong support from people outside the establishment and media.

'Momentary Situation'

Jessica Stegrud further explains that she felt insecure during the summer incident when she picked up the camera.

She does not believe she did anything wrong.

– Things happen very quickly, one must remember. It was a momentary situation for me. I felt it could become threatening, I didn't know what would happen. I chose to follow and start filming. It was instinctive.

Regarding the post about Liljestrand and Redar, she admits to having “poor timing.” The topic itself would have been better discussed at another time, she says in Kvartal's Friday interview.

– It distracted from what I think is so great: our cultural canon that we have fought for, I truly believe in that idea one hundred percent.