Sara-Lena Bjälkö Leaves Sweden Democrats to Join Christian Democrats

Sara-Lena Bjälkö, a member of the Swedish Parliament, has announced her departure from the Sweden Democrats (SD) to join the Christian Democrats (KD). Bjälkö stated that her decision was not taken lightly but has been developing over a significant period. She highlighted her positive relationships with KD both within the parliament and in her local community of Falkenberg, and expressed that the party's family-focused policies have always appealed to her.

Despite switching parties, Bjälkö intends to remain in the Riksdag for the remainder of her term, now representing KD. This move has sparked a response from SD's parliamentary group leader, Linda Lindberg, who, while wishing Bjälkö well, criticized her for not resigning her parliamentary seat. Lindberg emphasized that since Bjälkö was elected on an SD mandate, she should respect the voters by stepping down.

Bjälkö has a history of serving in the Riksdag, having been a member from 2014 to 2018 and re-elected in 2022. The political shift illustrates tensions regarding parliamentary representation and party loyalty but also reflects Bjälkö's alignment with KD's policies and her community ties.