Jamal El-Haj Launches New Political Party Enighetspartiet Ahead of Elections

Jamal El-Haj, a former member of the Social Democrats, has officially established a new political party named Enighetspartiet, which aims to compete in the 2024 parliamentary elections in Sweden. The party was registered with the Swedish Electoral Authority on August 12, 2023, marking a significant step in El-Haj's political career following his departure from the Social Democrats amid controversy.

At the inaugural meeting held on September 1, 2025, approximately 80 attendees gathered to discuss the party’s agenda and ideological framework. El-Haj, who has faced considerable criticism for his past associations, including attending a conference linked to Hamas, is now looking to reshape his political identity through this new venture. His tenure with the Social Democrats became increasingly fraught after he was implicated in attempts to influence an asylum case concerning a conservative imam, leading to his resignation from the party.

Enighetspartiet is positioning itself as a pro-immigration party, stating, "Sweden needs more immigration – not less," in an effort to bolster the nation’s welfare system. This approach represents a shift from the more restrictive immigration policies favored by some factions within Swedish politics. In addition to its immigration stance, the party strongly emphasizes religious freedom, specifically aiming to combat the hatred often directed at Muslims.

El-Haj's decision to form Enighetspartiet comes at a time when political dynamics in Sweden are shifting. His past actions, particularly the controversy surrounding his attendance at a politically sensitive conference, continue to shape public perception. He has also declined an invitation to join Partiet Nyans, a political party that focuses on Muslim rights, indicating a desire to carve out an independent path for his new party.

In conclusion, the emergence of Enighetspartiet could introduce new dynamics in the Swedish political landscape as the country approaches the upcoming elections. El-Haj’s vision for the party, particularly its progressive stance on immigration and its commitment to religious freedom, aims to connect with voters who share these sentiments, marking a potential turning point in Swedish politics.