Miljöpartiet Pushes for More Liberal Immigration Policy Ahead of 2026 Election
Miljöpartiet adopts a new liberal immigration policy with aims to influence the 2026 election's migration debate, despite contrasting Socialdemokraterna's stricter stance and internal party concerns.
- • Miljöpartiet adopts a new program advocating freedom of movement and humane migration policies.
- • Socialdemokraterna commits to a strict migration policy if they form the next government.
- • MP wants permanent residence permits as standard and the return of work permits after asylum denials.
- • Internal skepticism exists within MP about influencing Socialdemokraterna’s post-election policies.
Key details
Miljöpartiet (MP), Sweden’s Green Party, adopted a new immigration policy at its 2025 congress in Västerås, setting a clear vision for a more liberal and humane approach to migration in the lead-up to the 2026 elections. Their new party program advocates for a world where freedom of movement is a right, and no one is forced to flee. This stance contrasts sharply with the Socialdemokraterna (S), who have committed to enforcing a strict migration policy if they form the next government.
MP’s program calls for making permanent residence permits the norm once again and proposes reintroducing the option for individuals to apply for work permits even after their asylum requests have been denied. Despite this ambition, skepticism persists within MP regarding their influence over Socialdemokraterna’s policies, with party board member Magnus P Wåhlin noting that influencing S’s migration policy after the election will be "incredibly difficult." Nonetheless, MP spokesperson Daniel Helldén expressed optimism about engaging S on integration issues while Amanda Lind highlighted that S has not set fixed "red lines," leaving room for possible negotiation.
MP leaders criticized the Social Democrats’ stricter stance as competing directly with right-wing populism, arguing that a humane migration policy is essential to counteract rising xenophobic agendas. Annika Hirvonen, MP’s parliamentary group leader, voiced deep concern over the growing "purely racist agenda" from the Tidö parties, highlighting the importance of migration as a critical issue for the upcoming election.
The congress emphasized protecting asylum rights and fostering a migration policy that balances humanitarian values with realistic immigration management. As the 2026 elections approach, MP looks to shift Sweden’s migration debate toward greater liberty and inclusivity, even amid internal challenges and political opposition.