Kristersson Stays Optimistic on Sweden's Election Prospects Amid Focus on Crime and Immigration

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is maintaining a confident stance despite unfavorable opinion polls ahead of the upcoming elections next fall, according to statements made during his extensive election tour. Kristersson described the electoral situation as "not a bad case for us, it's a good case," emphasizing ongoing government efforts to implement crime and immigration policies outlined in the Tidö Agreement. His campaign, marked by the slogan "Sweden is on the right track," spans twelve cities, including Östergötland, Småland, and Västergötland, showcasing his commitment to steady governance amid challenging times. He criticized previous Social Democratic administrations for instability and insisted there is no chaos within his government, highlighting consistent leadership despite economic hardships. Key issues for the election are expected to remain crime, immigration, energy policy, and family economics, with the latter emerging as a significant concern. However, potential coalition formations face complications as the Liberal Party has ruled out post-election collaboration with the Sweden Democrats, a development met with mixed reactions within Kristersson's party. Additionally, Kristersson confirmed his intention to participate in upcoming SVT party leader debates, advocating for respectful political discourse despite recent tensions. This outlook reflects his readiness to continue managing Sweden’s political challenges and secure voter trust for a renewed term.