Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Åkesson defends party member Jessica Stegrud after her comments on a debate between Lawen Redar and Parisa Liljestrand sparked controversy. Åkesson argues that the criticism is unwarranted and emphasizes the importance of avoiding misinterpretations in public discourse.
Åkesson Defends Stegrud Amidst Criticism Over SVT Debate Remarks
Åkesson Defends Stegrud Amidst Criticism Over SVT Debate Remarks
The Sweden Democrats' top figure, Jessica Stegrud, faced a storm of criticism following her comments after the SVT debate between Lawen Redar and Parisa Liljestrand. However, party leader Jimmie Åkesson stands by his colleague.
"She has not questioned anyone's competence or who should be allowed to participate in the debate," he stated at a press conference.
On Tuesday, MP Jessica Stegrud (SD) posted on X, noting it was "telling" that "a Swedish-born Kurd and a Persian" were debating Sweden's new cultural canon on Aktuellt.
She was referring to S's cultural policy spokesperson Lawen Redar and Culture Minister Parisa Liljestrand (M).
The post was met with a backlash from several high-ranking politicians. On Wednesday, Tidö colleagues, ministers, and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, as well as prominent opposition politicians, lined up to criticize the SD figure's statement.
Stegrud herself claims she did not imply any judgment with the word "telling."
Åkesson: Many Have Interpreted Drastically
On Thursday, she received support from party leader Jimmie Åkesson.
"I think we have a tendency, which applies to everyone including myself, to make the most drastic and malicious interpretation in debates. I think this is an example of that," he told Expressen.
"On the other hand, as a sender, you have a responsibility not to leave room for interpretation," he continued.
"Criticism Not Relevant"
The criticism against Stegrud is "not relevant," Åkesson said at a press conference with other Tidö parties.
"I am satisfied with the clarification that I think Jessica made commendably yesterday, where she explains that the criticism directed at her is not relevant," he said, continuing:
"She has not had any opinions on anyone's competence or who should be allowed to participate in the debate, but she has stated what she has observed without placing any value on it," he said.
Åkesson mentioned that he had spoken with both Kristersson and L-leader Simona Mohamsson and that the conversations were "factual."
Kristersson: No Understandable Answer
SD stated on Wednesday evening that they had "held a conversation" with Stegrud.
"I perceive that it was not her intention to hurt anyone or specifically point out an origin, but it was a description of the present, but I also understand the reactions that have come," said Linda Lindberg in a comment to Expressen on Wednesday.
Jessica Stegrud herself claims the post was an "observation."
However, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) is not satisfied with the explanation from the Sweden Democrats and Jessica Stegrud.
"The short answer is no. I don't think there was a comprehensible answer to that question. It's hard to be satisfied with an answer that hasn't come. It raised the counter-question of whether she thought it was inappropriate for the two to have that discussion. Therefore, I said it should be explained what she meant. But it's not primarily my headache," he said at the same press conference.