With just a year until the election, the Sweden Democrats lose a key official as Lena-Karin Lifvenhjelm, the party's chief of staff, resigns to return to the private sector. Despite her departure, Lifvenhjelm remains committed to the party, continuing her role on the board of SD Women. Her resignation follows a controversial past involving a TV4 investigation into party donation practices.
Top Official Departs from Sweden Democrats Ahead of Election
Top Official Departs from Sweden Democrats Ahead of Election
With a year left until the election, the Sweden Democrats are losing one of their top officials. Lena-Karin Lifvenhjelm, the chief of staff for the party's national organization, is stepping down.
Most parties are currently working on preparing candidate lists for next year's election. Equally important is strengthening their organizations for the campaign.
Expressen can now report that the Sweden Democrats are losing their chief of staff for the national organization, Lena-Karin Lifvenhjelm. She announced her resignation last week:
– I received an offer for a new position. I wanted to move on, and the private sector is where I come from and where I wanted to return.
– I have a notice period, of course, and will hand over in good order as is customary.
Are there any hard feelings between you and the party?
– No, no, no, no, absolutely not. I will continue to be part of the party. I am still a member and have a private commitment.
Revealed by TV4
Lifvenhjelm has been chief of staff since early 2024 and before that was acting head of the party office and previously chief financial officer. She sits on the board of SD Women, a position she intends to continue.
The Sweden Democrats' press office wrote in an email to Expressen after receiving questions about Lifvenhjelm: “we do not comment on matters related to our employment.”
Lifvenhjelm was highlighted before the 2022 election in TV4's investigation into whether parliamentary parties were prepared to circumvent the law on party donation disclosure. For TV4's undercover “businessman,” she suggested that the money be given to a person willing to stand for the donation, after which the money would go to the party, keeping the real donor anonymous.
The Sweden Democrats dismissed the revelation, claiming TV4 only included parts of a longer quote, a claim that TV4 subsequently denied.