In a year leading up to the Swedish parliamentary elections, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and opposition leader Magdalena Andersson engage in a fiery debate on SVT's 'Aktuellt'. The discussion covers security concerns in Europe, economic policies, and the potential inclusion of parties in future government coalitions. Both leaders express strong opinions on Sweden's direction, with Andersson criticizing the government's economic strategy and Kristersson defending recent reforms.
Kristersson and Andersson Clash in Heated 'Aktuellt' Debate
Kristersson and Andersson Clash in Heated 'Aktuellt' Debate
With a year remaining until the parliamentary elections, Ulf Kristersson and Magdalena Andersson face off in a debate duel on SVT's 'Aktuellt'. When Ulf Kristersson claims there is a 'terror romance' within the Social Democrats, Magdalena Andersson retorts:
– That is an absurd accusation.
The Prime Minister and the opposition leader agree that the security situation in Europe is serious, especially after Russia violated European airspace with drones and fighter jets.
– It is a series of events that we take very seriously, says the Prime Minister.
He reiterates the statement he made earlier on Tuesday: that Sweden has the right to defend its airspace – with force if necessary.
Magdalena Andersson states that as the opposition leader, she is ready to support the government.
– On these issues, we are completely united. The focus is on Sweden and the Swedish people, says the Social Democratic leader.
The debate begins with a discussion on Palestinian protests and the debate climate in Sweden.
Ulf Kristersson says there is a 'terror romance on the left in Sweden' that 'fuels conflicts in Sweden'.
– I think people should calm down now, says the Prime Minister, who does not want a chaotic election campaign.
Magdalena Andersson sharply reacts to Kristersson's claim that there is terror romance within the Social Democrats.
– That is an absurd accusation, says the Social Democratic leader, adding that it is an example of 'poor leadership.'
Social Democratic Leader: 'Investing in Panic'
The next topic in the debate is the economy. The government's budget includes reforms worth nearly 80 billion kronor. Most of the money is directed towards Swedish households – through, among other things, reduced food VAT, lower taxes on work and pensions, and reduced preschool fees.
Magdalena Andersson argues that the government has pursued poor economic policies for three years, where they 'lowered taxes for the richest'. Ordinary people have become much worse off economically, according to the Social Democratic leader.
– The problem is that investments are now being made in panic, due to the government's total failure with the economy over these three years.
Ulf Kristersson points out that the government inherited a situation with sky-high inflation. Now, when the situation is different, investments can be made to improve household finances, says the Prime Minister.
– What we are doing is making it profitable to work, so more people enter the labor market.
The government's goal is clear: More people should work and fewer should rely on benefits. The Social Democratic leader is critical of the Prime Minister's description of the policy pursued.
– I can state that Ulf Kristersson is extremely satisfied and thinks that the Swedish people should be satisfied. That is not really what I encounter, says Magdalena Andersson.
No Decisions on Government Issue
Both the Left Party and the Sweden Democrats have demanded to be included in the government in the event of an election victory. The problem? Other parties refuse to govern with the Left and the Sweden Democrats.
Ulf Kristersson does not answer the question of whether the Sweden Democrats will be included in the government after a possible election victory.
– I have no new announcements on the government issue.
Magdalena Andersson also does not answer whether the Left Party can be included in a Social Democratic-led government in the event of an election victory.
Magdalena Andersson then asks who between Ulf Kristersson and Jimmie Åkesson is really the prime minister candidate. The Moderates and the Sweden Democrats are almost equally large. Kristersson thinks it is a silly question.
– All parties on my side know that it is I and the Moderates who have the ability to gather the parties.
'We Get a Budget Through'
Program host Cecilia Gralde points out that neither Kristersson nor Andersson gave a clear answer. Then the Prime Minister responds:
– It is not an unimportant question. I have given an answer for three years. We can gather a majority. We get our budget through in the parliament.
Kristersson also says that Magdalena Andersson 'will never get a majority together.'