Gender and Party Dynamics Shape Threat Landscape Against Swedish Politicians

Recent findings from the Swedish Crime Prevention Council (Brå) highlight the persistent and gendered threat landscape confronting Swedish politicians, particularly those affiliated with Miljöpartiet (the Green Party). According to Brå's Politician Safety Survey, one in four politicians reported facing threats, harassment, violence, or vandalism, with MPs from Miljöpartiet experiencing the highest prevalence — 33% of its elected officials reported threats, marking the party as uniquely vulnerable for the third consecutive measurement period. The survey further reveals distinct gender disparities: 27% of women politicians have contemplated leaving their political roles due to threats, compared to 24% of men. Anna-Karin Hatt, recently resigned leader of Centerpartiet, exemplifies the severe personal toll these threats can impose, stepping down after just six months amid escalating hate and intimidation.

Most threats manifest online, frequently originating from racist or far-right groups and primarily executed by middle-aged men. The rise of social media has transformed the nature of hate and threats, leading to constant exposure for politicians. Despite the high incidence, only 16% of threat incidents are reported to police, often due to skepticism about effective responses or perceiving such hostility as an inherent part of political work. Both Annika Strandhäll, MP and chair of S-kvinnor, and Hanif Bali, former MP, stress the imperative of encouraging greater political participation despite these risks to safeguard democratic engagement. With national elections approaching in September 2026, this environment poses critical challenges for Sweden’s political ecosystem.