Low Turnout at Salemmarschen Highlights Divisions in Swedish Nazi Movement

The recently revived Salemmarschen march, organized by the Nordiska motståndsrörelsen (NMR), saw significantly lower attendance than in its early 2000s peaks, with approximately 200 to 250 participants turning out compared to up to 2,000 at its height. Jonathan Leman, a researcher from Expo, noted the palpable disappointment at the event, with speakers expressing bitterness at many expected supporters not showing up. Leman suggested the NMR's clear association with the march might have deterred some potential participants despite attempts to frame the event as part of a broader far-right collaboration.

The lower turnout also reflects growing internal divisions and strategic differences within the Swedish Nazi movement. Since the late 2010s, dissatisfaction with NMR’s low electoral support and style led to the creation of breakaway group Nordisk styrka. Concurrently, a younger generation of Nazis has gravitated toward Aktivklubb, a more loosely structured group focused on physical fitness and cultivating a more attractive image. Despite legal actions that removed key Aktivklubb leaders, the group still actively organizes and participated in the Salemmarschen.

However, this year's march primarily showcased older NMR activists, suggesting that earlier hopes for revitalizing the movement with younger factions have yet to fully materialize. Leman emphasized that despite the low numbers, the extreme right remains a significant threat in Sweden, especially with ongoing radicalization trends among youth.

Historically, the Salemmarschen commemorates Daniel Wretström, and the march remains a symbolic event for Swedish Nazis even amid current setbacks in unity and numbers.