Mattias Karlsson Reflects on SD's Controversial Past: 'We Considered Shutting Down'

The Sweden Democrats (SD) have had a particularly contentious history with black Africans, according to Tony Gustafsson, who authored the party's white paper. Mattias Karlsson, a leader in the party since 1999, expresses shame and suggests it might have been better to dissolve the party and start anew:

– But for various reasons, that didn't happen, so we carry the same name and must also bear this legacy.

The historical roots of the Sweden Democrats have been a topic of discussion for many years. Now, historian Tony Gustafsson has presented his review in a white paper spanning nearly 900 pages.

Gustafsson notes that SD is a result of a reformed 'Keep Sweden Swedish', a far-right organization that was part of the Swedish white power movement. There were strong elements of Nazism, xenophobia, and antisemitism in the party and among SD's representatives until the mid-90s.

Jimmie Åkesson has apologized to Swedish Jews for his party's actions. Whether the SD leader should apologize to more groups, Tony Gustafsson does not wish to comment on. However, he makes it clear that SD has been distinctly negative towards immigrants and refugees during the period he reviewed, particularly towards people of non-European backgrounds.

– They have had a particular animosity towards black Africans. From the early 2000s, Muslim immigrant groups have been especially in focus, says Gustafsson.

Could Have Dissolved

Long-time party figure Mattias Karlsson, often referred to as SD's chief ideologist, has been involved for over 25 years. When he joined in 1999, the party had begun to change and purge the most extreme members, according to Tony Gustafsson.

– For me, it was a party in transition, with this problematic background but which I simultaneously assessed had a sound ideological foundation that I shared, says Karlsson.

According to Mattias Karlsson, it was SD's conservative approach and the idea that power in Sweden should lie with the Swedish people that attracted him.

But also the immigration issue.

– It was important to me. Additionally, the social conservative standpoint was quite close to what I thought and the values that existed in my upbringing.

At the same time, Mattias Karlsson says he is ashamed of his party's history and has often considered whether it would have been better to dissolve the then SD and start another party. It has been discussed internally, but for practical and economic reasons, they have chosen to continue in the original organization, he claims.

Despite several recent revelations about racism within SD, Mattias Karlsson argues that SD is a completely different party today.

– You wrestle with these feelings. I am glad the party was formed; we have played an important role in Swedish politics. But at the same time, we have this history with incredibly gross expressions of anti-democratic views and inhumane attitudes towards other people, in an organization that bears the same name as mine, it's tough.

'Disgusts Me'

Mattias Karlsson says he has been personally affected by reading the review in the white paper. His wife has a mother who is adopted from India, and they both have slightly darker skin.

– Reading this type of very hateful expressions that occur in the party's history against people who look different affects me emotionally, as I have a wife and a daughter who have a partially different appearance. And then, these very gross expressions of antisemitism, where they even praise or speak positively about the Holocaust. It disgusts me.

Tony Gustafsson claims he conducted the review completely independently of SD. Expressen previously revealed that he was a member of SD in 2017. Whether he still is, he does not want to answer.