Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson dismisses the Sweden Democrats' request for Jimmie Åkesson to participate in televised prime minister debates for the 2026 election. Kristersson asserts that only he and Magdalena Andersson are the candidates for the role, emphasizing the need for coalition-building capabilities.
Kristersson Rejects SD's Demand: Åkesson Can't Be Prime Minister
Kristersson Rejects SD's Demand: Åkesson Can't Be Prime Minister
Ulf Kristersson dismisses the Sweden Democrats' wish for Jimmie Åkesson to participate in televised prime minister debates during the 2026 election campaign.
"There are two prime minister candidates for the next election. It's absolutely clear that it's me and Magdalena Andersson," he says.
According to Expressen, the Sweden Democrats have requested that SVT and TV4 allow Jimmie Åkesson to participate in prime ministerial duels and debates ahead of the next election.
This request is completely rejected by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) during his appearance on Expressen's podcast "Viktor möter" with Viktor Barth-Kron.
"I think it's quite obvious to everyone that there are two prime minister candidates for the next election. It's absolutely clear that it's me and Magdalena Andersson."
Is Jimmie Åkesson not a prime minister candidate?
"No. To be a prime minister candidate, you must be able to gather parties on either side to form a government alternative. I have all respect that both Nooshi Dadgostar and Jimmie Åkesson would want to do that – all party leaders would ultimately want to become prime minister. But you can't do that if you don't have the fundamental ability to unite. I have proven that for three years, and I will prove it again in the next election," says Ulf Kristersson.