Sverigedemokraterna Faces Major Crisis Amid Criminal Investigation and Resignations

The Sweden Democrats (Sverigedemokraterna) are currently embroiled in significant turmoil following serious allegations against party members and subsequent resignations. A prominent politician from Skaraborg is detained on suspicion of multiple rapes, facing three separate allegations. He was arrested and taken into custody at the end of 2025 and remains held after a February detention hearing. The prosecutor has until April 13 to file formal charges. The politician is suspended from the party pending the outcome of the investigation.

In addition, the party is facing backlash in Motala, where two local politicians, Tini van der Poll Andersson and Jan Andersson, resigned after an investigation by Expo revealed their antisemitic and pro-Russian social media posts. The investigation highlighted conspiracy theories spread by these politicians, triggering condemnation from opposition parties including the Center Party, Green Party, Social Democrats, and Left Party, who decried the actions as a public scandal that could not be tolerated.

Marcus Lejonqvist, the local Sweden Democrats leader in Motala, confirmed the politicians chose to resign voluntarily and that replacements will be appointed. Opposition parties criticized local councilor Mark Henriksson for not acting earlier, though Henriksson stated he was unaware of any inappropriate conduct. This incident follows prior Expo reports documenting van der Poll Andersson's history of sharing COVID-19 conspiracy theories and antisemitic views.

These developments come at a challenging time for Sverigedemokraterna, raising concerns about accountability and the party's stance on democratic principles. The ongoing criminal investigation into the rape allegations and the exposure of extremist rhetoric among local politicians have intensified scrutiny on the party’s internal controls and public responsibility.