The Sweden Democrats (SD) have prioritized reducing food VAT over increasing child benefits in budget negotiations, a move reportedly secured according to Expressen. Party leader Jimmie Åkesson emphasized the importance of this reform during his summer speech in Sölvesborg, highlighting its impact on everyday Swedish life. The party also focuses on justice reforms and measures against child sex offenders, advocating for police-led actions over public exposure by organizations like Dumpen.
SD Pushes for Reduced Food VAT Over Increased Child Benefits
SD Pushes for Reduced Food VAT Over Increased Child Benefits
No to high child benefits – prefer reduced food VAT. This has been one of SD's toughest demands in budget negotiations. According to Expressen, they have secured it.
– I think we have a good position on this issue, says Jimmie Åkesson after his summer speech in Sölvesborg.
He is in his hometown Sölvesborg to deliver his traditional summer speech.
“Stop the socialism” is the most common slogan on voters' t-shirts.
The media presence is unusually small, despite it being an election year.
When party leader Jimmie Åkesson arrives at Slottslängorna, he discreetly moves through the crowd. He takes a few selfies with voters and kisses his wife Matilda Kärnerup before the press photographers even notice he's there.
Shortly before 2 PM, he steps onto the stage, introduced as “Sweden's next Prime Minister.”
The war in Ukraine and Israel's war against Hamas are the first topics in his summer speech.
– Is it too much to ask to show some gratitude? Go back to the place you shout about, he says about the Palestinians, drawing the first applause of the day.
Åkesson: Direct Reduction of Food VAT
Measures within justice policy and increased demands for repatriation are also on the agenda.
But much focus is directed towards the everyday economy of the average Swede. The dental care reform decided so far only targets people over 67 years old.
The Tidö parties are investing 80 million in the upcoming budget.
SD has not supported increased child benefits, why not? Isn't it good for a single mother here in Sölvesborg?
– I think it's great for the single mother in Sölvesborg. But why should I have child benefits, who earns so much? The child benefit hits the wrong target.
Instead, SD wants food VAT, “it hits everyone.” Jimmie Åkesson can imagine a differentiation where basic goods become the cheapest.
– But it takes time, so first you probably have to think of a direct reduction. From twelve to six or zero.
“What Dumpen Does is Good”
According to Expressen, SD has already secured the reform in negotiations. On Saturday, he says he expects to “soon be able to deliver something in that direction.”
– I think we have a good position on that issue in the ongoing budget negotiations. It's an issue where we take a stand.
But is there a finished agreement?
– We have no finished agreements that I am aware of. But we have it high on our agenda.
SD's major issue in the upcoming election campaign will be measures against perpetrators who commit sex crimes against children. Castration and crime provocation are two proposals. Åkesson both praises and criticizes the organization Dumpen, which exposes suspected criminals on its site.
– What Dumpen does is very good, but they are not the ones who should do that work, it is the police, otherwise it will not be legally secure.
– But if you follow them, you see that it is a huge problem that is not visible. We must address it.