Sweden Democrat party leader Jimmie Åkesson responds to criticism of his work performance following comments by Christian Democrat leader Ebba Busch. In a new interview, he stresses that political results matter more than the number of hours in the calendar - and highlights voters' trust as the real measure of success.
The discussion took off after Ebba Busch in an interview with Svenska Dagbladet compared his and Jimmie Åkessons work calendars during the mandate. She said that, in her opinion, he does not work as much as she or many other politicians.
The statement provoked reactions within the Sweden Democrats, where many saw the comment as unnecessarily confrontational within the center-right collaboration.
Åkesson's response: ”We count voters - not working hours”
Now Jimmie Åkesson himself responds to the criticism in the podcast Eye of the storm. He questions how Busch can comment on his calendar and working arrangements.
”She referred to my calendar and I was a bit surprised because she's probably never seen it. She doesn't know what's in it, so it's a bit surprising actually.”
At the same time, he stresses that politics should not be measured in terms of presence or visibility, but in terms of winning the support of voters.
”As someone wrote, we don't count hours worked, we count the number of voters.”
High absenteeism - no results
Jimmie Åkesson's high absenteeism has become something that more and more people are reacting to. In 2025 alone, he was absent from 93 percent of the Riksdag's votes, according to figures from the Riksdag's chamber office produced on behalf of SVT.
To claim at the same time that it is the results that matter can therefore be seen as remarkable. The Sweden Democrats have so far had limited success with several key election promises, while the party has been forced to accept compromises and retreats in several important parts of the Tidö Agreement.
For many voters, it raises questions about accountability, effort and the actual influence the party has had despite its key role in the government. When both the presence and the results are questioned, the criticism becomes harder to dismiss as mere political games.
Terrible that we HEAVILY taxed workers are funding these SCHOOL BFFS.
Delete 349 Lazy Worms and turn Parliament into a direct democracy like in Switzerland.
Of course, the rabble in our parliament do not do the right thing for a fraction of the salary they have.
Disagrees with 8 klövern they have destroyed Sweden!