Kristersson and Andersson Clash in Heated Debate

With a year left until the election, neither Ulf Kristersson (M) nor Magdalena Andersson (S) are providing clear answers on government formation.

A year remains until the election, yet neither M nor S have presented a clear framework for which parties they want to lead Sweden.

In the debate, both leaders are asked who can currently present the clearest government alternative.

– There is no doubt that I have shown for three years that I can form a government. It was quite the opposite during Andersson's time, he says.

Andersson chooses to dodge the question.

– I don't even know if it's appropriate to discuss this when we are in a very serious security policy situation.

– It's hard to know right now what will be best in a year.

Ulf Kristersson counters by claiming that S lives in the illusion of a bygone era.

– They live in the belief that they are still a party that can govern alone. That's no longer the case. If you can't gather majorities, then you are unfit to govern.

No New Announcements on SD and V

However, he does not want to answer whether SD can be part of the government if the Tidö parties win the next election.

– I have no new announcements on the government issue. And I have no responsibility to present a finished government before the election if S doesn't.

Similarly, Andersson refuses to say if V can be part of a red-green government, repeating that it is "too early" to answer.

War of Words Over Gang Connections

The party leaders also clash when discussing gang crime. Andersson accuses the government of closing youth homes, while Kristersson blames S for only wanting to take measures against gang crime when they are no longer in power.

Tensions rise as they discuss gang connections in Swedish parties.

– Deep within established structures, we have serious crime. It must be rooted out, says Kristersson.

This prompts a sigh from Andersson.

– Come on now. Jimmie Åkesson had a gang criminal at his wedding, she says.

Kristersson is quick to counter, mentioning S in Botkyrka, where several connections between S and ABF and gang criminals have been revealed.

– Then S and SD can discuss how best to cultivate their gang criminal contacts, says Ulf Kristersson.

There is no evidence for these connections, Andersson argues, suggesting that Kristersson should stop "spreading rumors."

"Sweden is in a Worse Place"

The party leaders also discussed the economy, which both point out as the most important political issue right now.

Andersson begins by criticizing the government's economic policy.

– Sweden is in a much worse place. The government has lowered taxes for the very richest instead of investing in ordinary families, she says.

Kristersson disagrees that the economic situation for Swedes has worsened.

– We inherited an inflation rate of over ten percent. I think everyone understands that we are in a very difficult economic situation, and we have navigated it safely.