The Swedish government's policy on Israel has faced criticism for its lack of clarity. A meeting in the Foreign Affairs Committee, involving Maria Malmer Stenergard, aims to address the government's position. The recent decision to freeze agreements with Israel to pressure humanitarian aid access to Gaza has sparked debate, with opposition questioning the government's consistency.
Swedish Government's Stance on Israel Under Scrutiny in Foreign Affairs Committee
Swedish Government's Stance on Israel Under Scrutiny in Foreign Affairs Committee
The Swedish government's policy on Israel has faced criticism in recent weeks for being unclear. A meeting is now being held in the Foreign Affairs Committee with Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) to discuss the government's stance.
"It's time to end Ebba Busch's side job as foreign minister," says Morgan Johansson, the Social Democrats' foreign policy spokesperson.
A few weeks ago, on July 31, the government reversed its position regarding the war in Gaza.
The government, through Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M), announced its intention to freeze agreements with Israel to pressure the country into allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza.
This decision was not well-received by everyone. Representatives from both the Sweden Democrats (SD), the Moderates (M), and the Christian Democrats (KD) have been skeptical of the government's shift on the Israel issue. Jimmie Åkesson of the Sweden Democrats called the shift a "disaster."
Vice Prime Minister Ebba Busch (KD) expressed criticism of the government's shift, or how it was communicated, less than a week later. She suggested pausing the trade agreement if Israel does not allow aid.
Following Busch's statement, the opposition has questioned the government's true stance on the issue.
The Foreign Affairs Committee has summoned the foreign minister to the parliament on Friday for a discussion to clarify the government's line.
Ahead of the meeting, Morgan Johansson expressed hope that the meeting would clarify the government's position on the Middle East issue.
Hasn't Ulf Kristersson made it clear that Maria Malmer Stenergard is setting the line here?
"Eventually, yes, but the fact that this discussion needs to take place at all damages Sweden and Sweden's reputation abroad," says Morgan Johansson.