Swedish Armed Forces Commander Skips 2025 Pride Parade

Supreme Commander Michael Claesson will not be marching in the Stockholm Pride Parade this year. – He has made other priorities given the current global situation, says Pernille Undén, spokesperson for the Armed Forces.

The Armed Forces have participated in Stockholm's pride celebrations for many years, with the Supreme Commander joining the parade almost every year since 2013. Former Commander Sverker Göranson participated for three years before handing over the position to Micael Bydén, who continued the tradition by also joining the parade.

Bydén has repeatedly emphasized the importance of participating, something he called “obvious” in 2017.

– This was a clear signal from large parts of the total defense about the equal value of all people, he said a few years later.

The Armed Forces have also run notable advertising campaigns in connection with pride for several years.

“Classified Information”

However, the new Supreme Commander, Michael Claesson, is skipping this year's pride parade.

– He has other priorities, but he is very keen that we are represented in these important issues, says Pernille Undén.

She cannot specify what these priorities are, citing classified information.

– There is a lot happening in our society and in the current global situation.

Pernille Undén says she “understands that it may send a certain signal,” but emphasizes that Claesson is engaged in the Armed Forces' work on LGBTQ+ issues.

The Armed Forces will otherwise participate in the pride parade in the same way they have since 2005.

– We are positive about wearing uniforms to show that one belongs to our authority, says Pernille Undén.