During the party leaders” debate: ”It's about Swedes going abroad"

The party leader debate on SVT was calmer than before, but clearly showed where the parties stand. Particularly on issues of migration and energy, there were major differences - and several unclear messages.

On Sunday evening, the leaders of the parliamentary parties met in SVT's Agenda for a live party leaders' debate, four months before the elections. The two-hour debate focused on energy, healthcare, the economy and migration, issues that are expected to dominate the campaign.

Previous debates have been criticized for being disruptive and loud. This time, the pace was calmer and party leaders interrupted each other less frequently. At the same time, the differences on the issues became clear.

As usual, the smaller parties outside Parliament were kept out of the debate.

Tough exchange of words on migration

When migration was raised, the tone became more strident. Jimmie Åkesson (SD) stressed that the policy needs to be clear and long-term.

– No more patching and mending, no more temporary legislation. And no more valves, he said.

Nooshi Dadgostar (V) instead criticized the current line, describing it as harsh.

– This is a deportation policy. It is about Swedes going out, she claimed.

The statement drew harsh criticism from several viewers and commentators because it refers to people who are not Swedish citizens, let alone ethnic Swedes. Several comments after the debate highlighted that this shows how politicians actively undermine Swedishness, so that it is no longer about ethnicity or even citizenship, but about everyone who is more or less legally in Sweden.

Divisions over nuclear power

The energy issue was another clear conflict. It focused on nuclear power and how to help households with high prices.

According to SVT's analysis, the red-green parties are not in agreement on these issues. Both the Social Democrats and the Center Party were open to new nuclear power, while the Green Party and the Left Party clearly said no. The same applies to support for households.

In the middle of the debate, there was also a technical problem. Ebba Busch's microphone was switched off when the topic was changed, which meant that she could not be heard as planned.

– I am the one responsible in Sweden for this. I was not let in at all on the nuclear part, she exclaimed indignantly. SVT explained afterwards that it was a mistake.