The Unveiled Core: Swedish Democrats and the Primacy of Ethnicity
The recent controversy surrounding a comment by swedish Democrat (SD) representative jessica Stegrud regarding the ethnic backgrounds of Parisa liljestrand (Moderate Party) and Lawen Redar (Social Democrats) has sparked debate, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise. As Benjamin Dousa’s recent article highlights, the discomfort felt by some stems not from a hidden agenda, but from a consistently stated position within the Swedish Democrats’ platform. Unlike the characters in the tale of the emperor’s new clothes, SD has never obscured it’s core values; they are plainly visible in the party program that informs its policies.
At the heart of that program lies a prioritization of ethnic affiliation, and a specific definition of “Swedishness.” The Swedish Democrats consistently place the perceived interests of ethnic Swedes above other considerations, including, demonstrably, the right to security for all residents. This prioritization is reflected in several stipulations secured by SD within the Tidö Agreement, the governing agreement between the current coalition. Whether one agrees with this stance or not, it is undeniably a core tenet of the party’s ideology and has been openly articulated.
The Stegrud comment, regardless of intent, underscores this viewpoint. It suggests a basic distinction between those born in Sweden and those of immigrant heritage, implying that full integration, even across generations, does not equate to being authentically “swedish” in the eyes of the Swedish Democrats.The focus, in this instance, was not on political office, age, or gender, but solely on ethnicity.
With a year remaining until the next election, the current government parties – Moderates, Liberals, and Christian Democrats – face a critical juncture. They have, to date, adapted to facilitate cooperation with a party whose foundational ideology diverges significantly from thier own.It is indeed a natural human tendency to seek reassurance and believe in positive change. However, the time has come to acknowledge that the Swedish Democrats are unlikely to alter their fundamental values. They are, as any other party should be, advocating for their beliefs. This is a cornerstone of free speech and democratic principles.
the question now facing the government parties is whether they will continue to accommodate this ideological difference,or reaffirm their commitment to the principles enshrined in their own platforms – principles of human rights and worldwide security. A clear stance is needed to move beyond polarizing block politics and foster genuine compromise across party lines, a necessity in a world demanding stability, long-term solutions, and collaborative efforts.
