Kristersson Challenges Andersson: Clarify Stance on Left Party

Ulf Kristersson (M) demands that Magdalena Andersson (S) clarify her position on forming a government with the Left Party, following recent internal conflicts within the party.

"It is distressing to see and hear how the Left Party is torn apart over the issue of antisemitism," says the Prime Minister.

Ulf Kristersson and Culture Minister Parisa Liljestrand (M) are in Gothenburg on Wednesday to visit the city's synagogue and commemorate 250 years of Jewish life in Sweden.

In a comment to Expressen, the Prime Minister attacks the Left Party, which recently expelled two prominent members of parliament, Lorena Delgado Varas and Daniel Riazat. The members have responded by stating they will remain in parliament as independents and plan to create a political alternative, while also launching a strong attack on the Left Party leadership.

"Elicits Justified Outrage"

Kristersson calls it "distressing" that the Left Party is divided on the issue of antisemitism.

"When the Left Party finally expels a person who shared antisemitic images, a conflict arises within the party over this. Had any other party done the same, it would have caused unified criticism from all others, especially from the left. But not now. When neo-Nazis express antisemitism, it elicits justified outrage. When Left Party members do it, it is seen as a question about Gaza," says Ulf Kristersson.

The Prime Minister then addresses Magdalena Andersson and other opposition party leaders:

"Now it is up to the other parties on the left to take a stand. Do they really want to govern together with the Left Party?"

The issue of forming a government divides parties on both sides of the political spectrum. The Moderates have not yet openly decided whether the Sweden Democrats can be part of a government after the next election, something SD leader Jimmie Åkesson demands.