The Tidö coalition government, formed by a coalition of right-wing parties in Sweden, faced a challenging start. Their campaign promises centered around lowering fuel prices and compensating citizens for high electricity costs. However, translating these promises into reality proved more difficult than anticipated. This initial struggle significantly impacted public opinion. In November 2022, over half of the electorate believed the Tidö parties had performed poorly in delivering on their promises. A year later, this dissatisfaction remained widespread, according to DN/Ipsos polls.
Public sentiment towards the Tidö government has shifted towards a more positive outlook. The proportion of voters who believe the government has only partially fulfilled its promises has decreased to 37 percent. Concurrently, satisfaction with the government’s performance has doubled compared to the previous year. Several factors contribute to this change in perception. The government implemented electricity compensation measures, fuel prices have decreased, and Sweden’s NATO membership was secured. Furthermore, the government introduced a series of legislative changes aimed at combating crime, a key concern for voters. As the term progresses, more voters recognize the government’s efforts to fulfill its pledges, although a majority remains unsatisfied.
A deeper dive into the DN/Ipsos survey reveals a significant decline in dissatisfaction regarding electricity and fuel prices. However, public opinion remains divided on the government’s handling of crime, a central pillar of the Tidö agreement. While the number of shootings and fatalities appears to be decreasing compared to the previous year, the overall level remains high in the long term. Both satisfaction and dissatisfaction on this issue have decreased compared to the previous year, suggesting continued uncertainty among voters.
The Tidö government’s weakest point lies in its approach to climate and environmental policies. This is the area where a majority of voters perceive weak performance, with dissatisfaction more than doubling in the past year and satisfaction levels hovering near zero. This is a significant vulnerability for the government, particularly as environmental concerns remain a priority for many voters. The growing discontent in this area suggests a potential disconnect between government policy and public expectations on climate action.
Interestingly, support for the Tidö government’s performance is primarily driven by voters aligned with the coalition parties. Kristdemokraterna voters express the highest levels of satisfaction, followed by Sverigedemokraterna supporters. However, a notable trend emerges even among those who indicate they would vote for opposition parties: a growing perception that the government has become more credible in delivering on its promises. This doesn’t necessarily translate into approval of the policies implemented, but rather an acknowledgement of the government’s efforts to follow through on its commitments.
Demographic differences also play a role in perceptions of the government’s performance. Men are significantly more likely than women to believe the government has delivered on its promises. Similarly, those aged 45 and older express more positive views compared to younger demographics. This age and gender divide highlights the complexities of public opinion and suggests the government needs to address the concerns of specific demographic groups to broaden its base of support. Ultimately, while public sentiment has improved for the Tidö government, significant challenges remain, particularly in addressing climate concerns and maintaining public trust on issues like crime.
