Jimmie Åkesson, leader of the Sweden Democrats (SD), has made a notable proclamation regarding his dietary preferences, stating, ”I eat absolutely nothing that has lived in water.” While such remarks may be lighthearted, his position as a political leader has necessitated navigating much tougher terrains, particularly in light of recent political setbacks. This year, Åkesson has faced significant challenges, most recently evidenced by the government’s retreat on the so-called “informant law” that SD had pushed for as part of the Tidö Agreement. This legislation, which would have mandated public employees to report illegal immigrants, was considerably watered down following public outcry, forcing Åkesson to accept the compromise, which many view as a major political defeat for the party.
The implications of this concession are profound for Åkesson and the SD, as the party will now support a law that suggests that the majority of public employees are not obligated to report illegal immigrants. In some cases, they could even face criminal charges for disclosing such information. This withdrawal from a previous hardline stance is sensational, marking what could be seen as a capitulation from Åkesson. In past statements, Åkesson emphasized the importance of unwavering agreement on issues like this, making the current retreat more significant. He is now faced with the arduous task of convincing his party members that he has not compromised their values for negligible gains, while encouraging them not to show dissent amidst this shift.
In an attempt to rally support within the party, Åkesson has urged his colleagues to stand united in the face of compromise, emphasizing the need to avoid internal conflict and presenting a united front. He has maintained his political capital, however, by attacking perceived elites and opponents in his familiar style, which resonated with party supporters. Timing his political maneuvering to coincide with a party meeting, Åkesson harvested some validation from his coalition partners, who reiterated their commitment to making it more difficult to obtain Swedish citizenship. This has been a long-discussed topic, with plans to outline new measures in the coming year, while seeking interim steps to limit new citizenships ahead of any legislative change.
The intricacies of the proposed measures are ambiguous and reflect a cautious approach. The government is unlikely to fulfill Åkesson’s demands to halt all new citizenship grants outright, but rather aim to enhance the migration authority’s security assessments. This lack of clarity regarding the implementation of these stricter measures has led to skepticism about the actual outcomes. Nevertheless, for Åkesson, securing any positive narrative to present the party amidst a tumultuous year is vital. His party’s political landscape has been anything but stable, highlighted by their disappointing performance in the recent EU elections, where they found themselves trailing even behind the Green Party.
The impact of internal scandals has further complicated Åkesson’s leadership. A controversy emerged surrounding one of his wedding guests, who reportedly had connections to a criminal motorcycle gang. Additionally, a leading politician within the party faced scrutiny for alleged hate speech, prompting a temporary withdrawal from duties. Although the investigation was ultimately dropped, it showcased the party’s heightened sensitivity regarding public perception and the need for caution in interactions with coalition partners, particularly in the context of the Tidö Agreement.
Despite facing these significant challenges and controversies, polling data reveals that the SD’s support remains stable, mirroring voter sentiments from the 2022 elections. The EU electoral defeat does not seem indicative of a dwindling voter base but rather suggests a waning enthusiasm among existing supporters. Voter sentiment is vital in shaping electoral outcomes, and the intensity of support matters just as much as the numbers. Much like a cooling relationship, the passion among some SD supporters has lessened, and it underscores the importance of Åkesson re-engaging with his base to bolster enthusiasm and loyalty, ensuring that while they may not have left, he rekindles the fervor for SD among voters.
