Internal Turmoil in Sverigedemokraterna Over Candidate List Changes Ahead of 2026 Election

Significant dissatisfaction has emerged within the Swedish Democrats (Sverigedemokraterna, SD) due to candidate list reshufflings ahead of the 2026 election. Notably, Anders Nordström Birkefjärd was removed from the third position on SD's ballot in Värmland, replaced by former Moderate Party member Marléne Lund Kopparklint. Birkefjärd publicly criticized the party’s handling on Facebook, calling it "completely unacceptable" and expressing that hard work within SD does not pay off. Fellow SD member Runar Filper rebuked this public critique, stating it's inappropriate to speak negatively about party colleagues in public.

Angelica Lundberg, another SD politician, revealed she was unexpectedly dropped from her spot on the regional ballot without prior notice or explanation, expressing her disappointment and the need for transparency.

Meanwhile, shifts between parties deepen the discord. Marléne Lund Kopparklint and Arin Karapet left the Moderate Party due to being placed unfavorably on its candidate list, seeking positions within SD instead. According to Moderate Party group leader Mattias Karlsson, their departure was due to lack of trust from constituents and being outcompeted for list placements.

This internal upheaval highlights strained relations within SD’s candidate selection process as the election approaches.