Multiple Vänsterpartiet Candidates Removed Over Support for Hamas Attacks on Israel

In a significant political development ahead of the 2026 elections, several candidates from Sweden's Vänsterpartiet (Left Party) have been removed from municipal and regional election lists following revelations of their support or celebration of Hamas' attack on Israel. The removals focus on politicians in Helsingborg and Landskrona, where three individuals—Tamam Hashan, Nidal Hejjo, and Soha Elhams—were reported to have expressed support for the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault.

The allegations emerged after Expressen revealed that these candidates either celebrated the attack, posted supportive messages on social media, or expressed personal ties to those involved in Hamas operations. For instance, Soha Elhams shared a photo of a Hamas fighter described as her cousin, while Tamam Hashan attended a celebration viewed by some as endorsing the violence. However, Hashan has clarified that their intention was not to celebrate the attack but to comment on the broader catastrophe affecting Gaza.

Vänsterpartiet’s district chairman for Skåne, Jesper Sahlén, stated unequivocally that supporting terrorism is incompatible with the party’s core values, emphasizing that there is no place for antisemitism within the party. He confirmed the removal of these candidates from the election lists, continuing a trend that saw nine other candidates removed earlier during the ongoing investigations. Mohamad Abdulkarim resigned as chairman of the Landskrona district amidst the controversy.

The revelations have sparked strong criticism from other political parties, with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressing concern about the presence of “terror romantics” within Vänsterpartiet. Additionally, there have been unsubstantiated reports suggesting a connection between Vänsterpartiet and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), particularly regarding the inclusion of Palestinian individuals on election lists. Both Sahlén and Helsingborg chairman Tomas Gustafsson have denied any formal agreements, affirming the party's autonomy over candidate selections.

This scandal marks a profound challenge for Vänsterpartiet as it navigates questions of political ethics and public trust amid highly sensitive geopolitical issues. The party’s decisive response illustrates its intent to distance itself from extremist sympathies and maintain electoral integrity.