Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist Elected as New Leader of Centerpartiet Following Anna-Karin Hatt's Resignation

Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist has been elected as the new leader of Sweden's Centerpartiet, stepping in after the unexpected resignation of former leader Anna-Karin Hatt, who stepped down last month due to harassment and threats. The transition marks the fourth leadership change for the party during its current term, which began after Annie Lööf's resignation in September 2022.

Thand Ringqvist, 53, brings a robust background in both business and politics. She has served as the party's economic spokesperson and group leader in the Riksdag since 2022. Prior to this, she was CEO of the business organization Företagarna from 2011 to 2015 and has held several board positions, including with Skärgårdsstiftelsen and Storskogen Group. Her political career started at the local level with over a decade on the Östersund municipal council, and she was a political adviser to former Minister of Enterprise Maud Olofsson between 2006 and 2010. She studied at the Stockholm School of Economics from 1991 to 1996 and is married with two children.

In her inaugural speech and during the party congress, Thand Ringqvist emphasized key issues such as economic growth, climate change, freedom, and fostering optimism for Sweden's future. She criticized the current government for lacking adequate leadership around climate issues and highlighted that Centerpartiet's membership had grown for the first time in four years, signaling renewed vitality for the party.

Thand Ringqvist also reaffirmed Centerpartiet's position against any influence from the Sweden Democrats (SD), aligning with the party membership's comfort zone. Her election has been met with support across the political spectrum, with hopes for constructive collaboration ahead of the upcoming elections in less than a year.

Anna-Karin Hatt congratulated Thand Ringqvist warmly, presenting her with the party's symbolic stafettpinne, which honors all previous leaders. Despite stepping into leadership amid turbulent times and frequent leadership changes, Thand Ringqvist expressed confidence in her preparedness and determination to lead effectively moving forward.