Sverigedemokraterna Faces Sharp Decline Among Young Voters and in Skåne After 2026 Election

Sverigedemokraterna (SD) has experienced a significant downturn in voter support in the 2026 Swedish election, particularly among the youngest voters and in the crucial southern region of Skåne. The party’s backing among voters aged 18 to 21 plummeted by 7 percentage points, dropping to just 15%, reversing a trend of steady growth over previous years. This decline contrasts with an increase in support for Moderaterna among this demographic, which rose from 26% to 30%, while Socialdemokraterna’s support held steady at around 20%. Election researcher Henrik Ekengren Oscarsson noted a growing ideological divide, with young men leaning right and young women gravitating left.

In Skåne, SD suffered losses in 285 out of 290 municipalities. Notably, in Bjuv, SD’s support decreased by 6.5 points in the national election and 9.3 points in local contests, leading Socialdemokraterna to overtake them as the largest party. Hanna Nilsson, SD’s Skåne district chair, expressed shock at the results and recognized the need for a thorough post-election analysis. She cited local political turbulence, such as the removal of key figures and the diminished focus on immigration issues, as contributing factors. Voters in the region indicated a preference for parties focusing on local concerns like healthcare and education.

These setbacks suggest SD’s appeal has plateaued, challenged by other parties adopting similar policies and shifting voter priorities. The party’s district leadership is grappling with understanding the full impact and strategizing for the future amid fears of a potential left-leaning government.

As SD navigates this downturn, their losses among young voters and in Skåne highlight the complex and evolving political landscape ahead.