Sverigedemokraterna Surpasses Moderaterna in Latest Poll, Challenging Kristersson's Leadership
Sverigedemokraterna's polling surge poses challenges for Prime Minister Kristersson's Moderaterna.
Key Points
- • Sverigedemokraterna tops Moderaterna in voter support for four months.
- • Moderaterna's approval at 17.9% is the lowest since December 2023.
- • Gap between SD and M narrows from nine to six percentage points.
- • Growing internal criticism within Moderaterna regarding leadership.
Recent polling data from Demoskop highlights a significant shift in Sweden's political dynamics, revealing that Sverigedemokraterna (SD) has overtaken Moderaterna (M) in voter support for the fourth consecutive month. According to the poll published on August 28, 2025, Moderaterna's approval rating has dropped to 17.9%, the lowest since December 2023, while the gap between the two political blocks has narrowed from nine to six percentage points.
This decline in support for Moderaterna raises critical questions about Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's leadership as internal criticism mounts over the party's strategy and declining popularity. Political analysts, including Johan Martinsson from Demoskop, point out that if this trend persists, Kristersson's government could face increased challenges in negotiations, with Sverigedemokraterna gaining a stronger position to advance its policies.
Additionally, the left-leaning Vänsterpartiet has recorded its lowest support in nine years, losing a third of its voters since the last election, further complicating the political landscape. Meanwhile, the Liberal party's standing has dwindled to only 2.7%, placing their parliamentary future at risk. In response to these polling results, Moderaterna's party secretary, Karin Enström, emphasized the need for the party to focus on long-term reforms, indicating a potential shift in strategy moving forward.