The burgeoning alliance between the Sweden Democrats (SD) and the Finns Party (Sannfinländarna) signifies a notable shift in the Nordic political landscape. Their relationship extends far beyond shared appearances at election rallies and flag-waving photo opportunities. A dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences occurs constantly beneath the surface, aiming to bolster their respective abilities to govern and solidify their positions within the nationalist right wing. The two parties are working diligently to learn from each other’s successes and navigate the challenges of wielding political power.
The SD’s journey from pariah status to a position of influence within the Nordic Council illustrates the evolving acceptance of nationalist parties. Previously shunned due to their perceived racist origins, the SD’s persistence, combined with the Finns Party’s own ideological shift under new leadership, culminated in the election of SD member Angelika Bengtsson as chair of the Nordic Freedom group within the council. This symbolic victory grants the SD legitimacy and access to resources and networks, further cementing their ties with the Finns Party. The Nordiska rådet, while lacking significant political power, provides the parties with a platform for cooperation and international recognition.
The Finns Party’s recent electoral success and subsequent formation of a coalition government, with party leader Riikka Purra as finance minister, provides the SD with a valuable case study. The SD is keenly observing the Finns Party’s approach to governing, particularly their handling of Finland’s challenging economic situation. This interest extends to the intricacies of parliamentary procedure, building a competent civil service, and navigating the complexities of coalition politics. The SD recognizes the importance of learning from the Finns Party’s experience, both positive and negative, as they prepare for their own potential role in government. The Tidö Agreement, the coalition agreement that brought the SD into Sweden’s government, has become a source of interest and discussion for the Finns Party, highlighting the reciprocal nature of their relationship.
The two parties also collaborate extensively in the European Parliament, working together on issues like migration and advocating for EU funding for border barriers. This shared platform allows them to amplify their voices on the European stage and pursue common policy goals. The SD’s international secretary, Mattias Karlsson, emphasizes the Finns Party as their most important international relationship and highlights their ongoing efforts to learn from their Finnish counterparts. This exchange includes planned delegations to Finland to study their government operations and strategies for navigating challenging economic times.
Both parties share similar policy positions on migration, evidenced by the parallels between the Tidö Agreement and the Finnish government’s migration program. Both aim to restrict immigration, tighten asylum requirements, and promote voluntary repatriation. This alignment allows for the sharing of best practices and strengthens their collective efforts to implement stricter migration policies. Beyond migration, their common ground extends to rural policies, emphasizing agriculture, forestry, and affordable fuel, reflecting their strong support base outside major urban centers. The impact of their nationalist agendas is being felt more broadly therefore on the societal agendas of both countries. The current situation with regards to the war in Ukraine and concern over Russian relations has further solidified their bond as they seek to maintain a cohesive approach to foreign policy within the Nordic region.
The relationship between the SD and the Finns Party is a testament to the growing influence of nationalist parties in the Nordic region. Their close collaboration, fueled by a shared ideology and the desire to learn from each other’s experiences, positions them as key players in shaping the political future of their respective countries. As they continue to strengthen their ties, their combined influence within the Nordic and European political spheres is likely to increase, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the region.
