Jimmie Åkesson wants to change the Sweden Democrats’ economic policy after several years of compromises with the Moderates. He is now demanding budget negotiations and warning that a center-right government could be brought down. Kristersson could thus take power—even as the Sweden Democrats discuss the possibility of bringing a vote of no confidence against him.
Leader of the Sweden Democrats Jimmie Åkesson signaled during a hearing in the Riksdag on Tuesday that the party wants to return to a less right-leaning economic policy. At the same time, he is taking a tougher stance against the Moderates ahead of the possible formation of a center-right government, reports Aftonbladet.
Wants to break with the Moderate Party's economic policy
Åkesson believes that, during the past legislative term, the Sweden Democrats were forced to accept an economic policy that is further to the right than the party’s traditional stance. He claims that the party has had to agree to several compromises with the Moderates that have been difficult to accept and suggests that the party now wants to pursue a different economic policy.
– We’re not going to become the Social Democrats, but traditionally speaking, we’re not as far to the right on economic policy as we’ve been during this term. We’ve had to swallow a lot, in a way that I haven’t always been comfortable with.
Ministers Are Stepping Down—But Not Giving Up Budgetary Power
Last week, Åkesson announced that the Sweden Democrats could tolerate a center-right government without holding any ministerial posts themselves. However, he offers no guarantee that they will support the government’s budget, but instead emphasizes that Ulf Kristersson must negotiate with other parties to get its economic policies passed.
– If they want support for their budget, they should seek it in the Riksdag; in that case, we are a party that is open to negotiations.
Could bring down Kristersson's government
To TV4 Åkesson makes it clear that the SD intends to act as an opposition party and does not promise to keep a center-right government in power. Nor does he rule out bringing a vote of no confidence against Kristersson if the conflicts become serious enough.
– I haven't promised that we won't remove him from office. But I'm surprised that someone is willing to take office under these conditions—yet apparently that's what they want.
Warning About Cattle Being Let Out to Graze
Åkesson describes a pent-up dissatisfaction with the Moderate Party after several years of cooperation. If the Sweden Democrats end up in the opposition, he expects significantly tougher political clashes, while also pointing to the Center Party’s internal conflict as a decisive factor in the formation of a government.
– There's a pent-up desire to put pressure on the Moderates. It's going to be a free-for-all.
Opens the door to collaboration with S
At the same time, he is open to cooperating with parties on the left in the Riksdag, particularly the Social Democrats, which may explain the importance of pursuing a more left-leaning economic policy.
– I think the Social Democrats are a fairly easy party to reach an agreement with, if they feel that they want to and need to reach an agreement, Åkesson tells The Express.
