Swedish Ministers Rally Behind Forssell Amidst Political Controversy

The government is backing Migration Minister Johan Forssell and countering criticism from the left. "It is truly disgraceful" to "target a child to politically attack a parent," writes Gunnar Strömmer on Instagram. Minister and Moderate Party colleague Carl Oskar Bohlin suggests a line may have been crossed.

Migration Minister Johan Forssell (M) has come under fire after it was revealed that his teenage son was involved in far-right extremist circles.

However, his colleagues in the government and fellow Moderates are supporting him. They are pushing back against leftist criticism and media name publication, criticizing the public debate.

Meanwhile, it was Forssell himself who chose to go public in a live interview on TV4, revealing it was his son, not a "relative" as previously reported by the media.

"Truly Disgraceful"

"For many adults on the left to now target a child to politically attack a parent is truly disgraceful. A critical protective barrier has thus been breached," writes Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer (M) in a lengthy Instagram post.

"Children have never been used in this way in Swedish political debate. It harms democracy, and the responsibility falls heavily on those leading this campaign," he writes.

Gunnar Strömmer also notes that it is "important and right for many reasons to emphasize parents' responsibility for their children" and that it is "legitimate and important to scrutinize extremist environments."

Accusations of Hypocrisy

Critics have accused Johan Forssell of hypocrisy, as he has maintained a high political profile on holding parents accountable for their children's actions. Several also point out that it could pose a security risk if a minister's close relative is a violent extremist.

The Social Democrats, Left Party, and Green Party now want to summon the Migration Minister for questioning in the social insurance committee.

However, questions about the minister remain, according to the Left Party's migration policy spokesperson Tony Haddou. Therefore, even after the interview, it is relevant to call Forssell to the committee, he argues.

– I think this government is jeopardizing Sweden's security. What information could Forssell have taken home that far-right movements could benefit from? We feel we want the cards on the table, Tony Haddou (V), migration policy spokesperson, told Expressen.

Seeking Answers

Niklas Karlsson (S), Member of Parliament and chairman of the tax committee, wants Forssell to answer questions in the committee.

– When did they receive the information? When was Kristersson informed? What measures have been taken after the information reached the government office? he told Expressen.

Carl Oskar Bohlin (M), Minister for Civil Defense, also supports Johan Forssell. He told SVT that the name publication could mean a line has been crossed.

– It affects a family that is not public. Johan Forssell is public, his child is not, he says.

Kristersson Expresses Confidence

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) has previously expressed his confidence in Forssell.

– I believe Johan Forssell has acted as a responsible parent should when they learn their child is doing wrong and is in bad company. Of course, I continue to have confidence in Johan Forssell, he said in a written statement.

Energy and Business Minister Ebba Busch also expresses "strong confidence" in Forssell.

– The government maintains the same line when Johan Forssell speaks both as a responsible minister for the values that should apply in Sweden and as a responsible, albeit very humble, father, she says.