The Swedish government faces internal and external criticism after announcing a potential freeze on the EU's trade agreement with Israel to pressure the country into allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza. The move has sparked a debate within the ruling coalition and opposition, highlighting a lack of consensus on the government's stance towards Israel and Hamas.
Swedish Government Faces Criticism Over Israel Policy Shift
Swedish Government Faces Criticism Over Israel Policy Shift
The Swedish government has shifted its stance towards Israel, leading to confusion about its actual policy direction, according to Tobias Baudin of the Social Democrats.
"I am not the only one wondering," he stated at a press conference.
Last week, the government announced its intention to push for a freeze on the EU's trade agreement with Israel. This move aims to pressure Israel into allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The announcement quickly met with a storm of criticism. Representatives from the Sweden Democrats (SD), Moderates (M), and Christian Democrats (KD) have expressed skepticism about the government's change in the Israel issue.
On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch (KD) acknowledged and shared the criticism.
"It is unequivocally Hamas that started the war and is responsible for the hostages not yet being released. We must do more to increase pressure on Hamas."
Social Democrats Criticize: Government Has Three Different Lines
Following Busch's statement, the opposition questions the government's actual stance on the issue. Social Democrats' party secretary Tobias Baudin believes the government appears divided.
"The largest party in the government coalition seems to have one line. Sweden's Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch has another line. And a third line seems to be held by Sweden's Foreign Minister," he said at a press conference, continuing:
"What the Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson thinks about this seems written in the stars."
Baudin describes the situation as "very unfortunate."
"The government must act to help people in need."
Division Within the Coalition: "Boiling"
Critics within the coalition parties argue that the government's desire to pause the trade agreement is a "strange" turn that goes too hard against Israel and does not punish Hamas. Sources within the Moderates have said that it is "boiling within the party" and that many are upset.
The government's partner, the Sweden Democrats, are highly critical, arguing that the shift "disrupts relations" with the Moderates and plays into Hamas's hands by focusing on Israel.
European Parliamentarian Alice Teodorescu Måwe (KD) shares this view, suggesting that the government should focus on putting pressure on Hamas, not Israel.