David Lång Leads Sverigedemokraterna's Charge in Upcoming Church Election Amid Controversy

David Lång, a prominent figure in the Swedish Democrats (Sverigedemokraterna, SD), is set to top the party's candidate list for the Church of Sweden election scheduled for September 21, 2025. This announcement follows a tumultuous period for Lång, who resigned from his position in the Riksdag after a highly publicized incident where he was recorded chanting "ausländer raus" or "foreigners out" at an EU election watch party. This phrase has drawn heavy criticism due to its association with anti-immigration sentiments.

Despite the controversy, Lång has maintained his role in the Church Assembly and is now focused on bolstering SD's influence within church politics. Party chairman Ronnie Nilsson expressed robust support for Lång's candidacy, asserting that he has taken responsibility for his past actions and has made valuable contributions to church matters. Notably, Lång did not partake in the decision-making process regarding his candidacy to prevent conflicts of interest.

The upcoming election is notable for SD, which is fielding nearly 1,000 candidates, indicating a growing interest in church-related politics compared to previous elections. This shift underscores the party's strategic aim to enhance its presence in a domain traditionally viewed as politically neutral. The election outcome may reflect broader societal attitudes towards church engagement and immigration issues in Sweden.