The Swedish government has reversed its stance on the EU's trade agreement with Israel, causing significant unrest within the Moderate Party. The decision to push for a freeze on the trade deal has sparked internal conflict, with some members fearing it could lead to electoral losses. The controversy highlights differing opinions on how to handle the Israel-Hamas conflict, with calls for increased pressure on both sides.
Moderate Party in Turmoil Over Government's Shift on EU-Israel Trade
Moderate Party in Turmoil Over Government's Shift on EU-Israel Trade
The Swedish government has reversed its stance and now seeks to halt the EU's trade with Israel. This decision has stirred emotions within the Moderate Party. "It is boiling in parts of the party," a source told Expressen.
Just over a week ago, the government decided not to advocate for the EU to freeze the trade agreement with Israel, as reported by DN. However, on Thursday, the government changed its position and is now pushing harder for the agreement to be stopped.
"We now propose that the EU freeze the trade part of the association agreement with Israel as soon as possible. The government will be very clear with the EU Commission on this issue," said Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M).
Ulf Kristersson wrote on X that "the situation in Gaza is absolutely terrible" and that "the economic pressure on Israel must increase." At the same time, Kristersson emphasized that more pressure must be put on Hamas to release hostages.
"Boiling in the Party"
The reversal has caused irritation within the party, according to several sources in the Moderates. There is particular upset over the Prime Minister's post on X.
"It is boiling in parts of the party related to the government's complete turnaround in the conflict between Israel and Hamas," a source told Expressen.
Those Expressen spoke with feel that the government is acting against Israel but only using words against Hamas. They find the government's sudden reversal strange and suggest it is swaying with the wind.
Some individuals fear it gives an unserious impression, and some believe it could lead to electoral defeat.
Concern Among the Older Guard
Voices within the party say that the concern is mainly expressed by older party profiles. Profiles who believe that the war can only end if the USA or Saudi Arabia demands it. According to these individuals, the government should lobby for Saudi Arabia's line within the EU.
A party profile who has openly expressed his opinion is the former Minister of Labor, Sven Otto Littorin (M).
In a Facebook post—published before the government's announcement to freeze the trade agreement with Israel—he writes that the inflow of capital to Hamas must be stopped and that, for example, Saudi Arabia or the USA can help with that. According to Littorin, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have managed to remove extremists in their own countries through strict controls.
"When you have tried everything else for 70 years or more, this is what remains. Without endorsing the methods, I believe this is how it can be. The result for ordinary Palestinians, I believe, can be a significantly more bearable and safer life," Littorin writes in the post.
Littorin supports the plan put forward by several Arab and EU countries in a joint declaration at the UN. They advocate a two-state solution and demand that Hamas be disarmed and leave Gaza.
Expressen has sought comments from Littorin and Ulf Kristersson without response.