Sverigedemokraterna Faces Deepening Crisis in Female Representation and Support

Sverigedemokraterna (SD) is confronting significant challenges regarding female representation and voter support, as recent developments reveal a continuing downward trend in women's backing. Polls show female support for SD dropping from 16% to 13.9%, with support among young women plummeting to just 8.1%. This crisis is underscored by the departure of several high-profile female politicians from the party, including Katja Nyberg, Sara-Lena Bjälkö, and Paula Bieler. Nyberg's exit followed legal troubles involving suspected DUI and drug offenses, yet she retains her parliamentary seat as an independent. Bjälkö and Bieler both left SD to join the Kristdemokraterna (KD), criticizing SD's handling of women's issues and the party environment.

Political science professor Lena Wägnerud highlights that SD's failure to adequately address women's concerns—such as healthcare, education, and gender equality—has contributed to its inability to attract and retain female voters. She stresses that SD must increase female representation within the party to rebuild trust and appeal to women, particularly in the wake of scandals and leadership decisions perceived as dismissive of gender equality.

Party leader Jimmie Åkesson faces mounting scrutiny as the gender gap in SD's support base widens, amplifying concerns about the party's future viability among female constituents. The ongoing exodus of women politicians and lowering female voter support signals a pressing need for SD to rethink its approach to gender politics if it aims to stabilize and grow its appeal among women.