Center Party Challenges Sweden Democrats Over Rural Policy Failures as Åkesson Surpasses Andersson in Trust

Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist, leader of the Center Party, has publicly accused the Sweden Democrats (SD) of betraying rural voters and challenged SD leader Jimmie Åkesson to a debate in Jämtland regarding rural issues. Ringqvist contends that despite SD’s campaign rhetoric promoting rural interests such as increased food self-sufficiency and deregulation for farmers, their actions as a government-supporting party reveal a narrow focus largely limited to fuel prices and hunting. She highlighted critical rural concerns neglected by the Sweden Democrats, including healthcare access—in rural areas residents are twice as likely to die from treatable diseases—and maintaining local veto rights against uranium mining, a key matter for rural autonomy.

Ringqvist also admitted that the Center Party itself has not always sufficiently addressed rural problems but stressed the urgency to broaden rural political discussions beyond simple issues.

In parallel, a recent Demoskop survey reveals a significant shift in voter trust: Jimmie Åkesson has surpassed Magdalena Andersson, leader of the Social Democrats, with 43% of voters expressing high trust in Åkesson compared to Andersson’s 42%. This marks the first time Åkesson leads in trust ratings and continues a gradual closing of the gap that stood at 28 percentage points two and a half years ago. Andersson has notably lost trust among voters from allied parties like the Center Party and the Green Party. Meanwhile, Liberal leader Simona Mohamsson struggles with low trust at under 4%.

This trust shift underscores evolving voter dynamics and may reflect broader dissatisfaction with traditional parties’ handling of key issues such as rural development. As Ringqvist calls out SD for their perceived neglect, the political spotlight intensifies on how parties address the complex realities faced by Sweden’s countryside. Ringqvist has offered to debate Åkesson in his hometown of Sölvesborg if preferred, signaling readiness for a direct confrontation on these issues.