Rising Political Threats and Internal Strife Challenge Sweden's Democracy in 2025

A recent surge in threats and hostility towards elected officials in Sweden, coupled with internal divisions within the Liberal Party over cooperation with the Sweden Democrats (SD), is undermining democratic engagement and political stability ahead of the 2026 elections.

According to a survey by the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention (BRÅ), one in four elected officials in Sweden have faced threats, harassment, or violence, with women disproportionately targeted. The hostile political climate has driven 25% of those affected to contemplate resigning, undermining the democratic process. Politicians report attacks online and in person, including death threats and vandalism of their homes, which contributes to a toxic environment that desensitizes society and discourages political participation.

In response, political leaders across parties have issued a call for a collective zero-tolerance stance on threats and a commitment to fostering respectful debate ahead of elections. They also urge media and social media platforms to prioritize fact-based reporting and reduce sensationalism to mitigate hate speech.

Simultaneously, the Swedish Liberal Party faces internal conflict, as 38 of its members publicly oppose collaboration with the Sweden Democrats, citing it as a primary cause of voter decline. Annika Carp, a Liberal group leader, voiced concerns about the party's future and emphasized the need to focus on key issues to regain public trust. This opposition has intensified ahead of the party's national meeting in late November 2025.

These developments highlight critical challenges to Sweden’s democratic engagement. The widespread harassment of politicians not only threatens individual safety but also the very fabric of participatory democracy. Meanwhile, the Liberal Party’s internal struggle over alliances demonstrates the political tensions shaping Sweden’s upcoming electoral landscape.

Political leaders and citizens alike are urged to uphold respectful discourse and reject intimidation to safeguard democracy's future in Sweden.