Sweden Democrats MP Göran Hargestam Resigns Over Nazi Memorabilia Scandal

Göran Hargestam, a Sweden Democrats (SD) member of the Swedish Parliament and chairman of SD Östergötland, has resigned following revelations that he possessed a collection of Nazi memorabilia. The collection was uncovered in an office building in Valdemarsvik that Hargestam had sold, and included a trophy adorned with a swastika, multiple copies of Adolf Hitler's "Mein Kampf," and idol images of Hitler, along with other Nazi relics such as helmets, flags, books, and medals.

Hargestam explained that his interest in these items was due to a "military historical interest," aiming to write a book on the subject. He noted that despite owning copies of "Mein Kampf," he had not read them because of language barriers. Addressing the controversy, Hargestam stated, "My military historical interest should not burden my party, even though I have clean hands," and acknowledged the importance of perception in politics, saying, "In this business, one must sometimes consider how something looks, not how it actually is."

The Sweden Democrats party has acknowledged that owning such Nazi-related items is problematic, regardless of the intentions behind it, and expressed respect for Hargestam's decision to step down from his parliamentary role. It remains unclear whether Hargestam will continue as chairman of SD Östergötland. Following his resignation, Annelie Sjöberg, the group leader for the Swedish Democrats in Söderköping, is set to replace him in Parliament and has expressed readiness to assume the position.

This incident has raised significant concern within Swedish politics given the sensitivity around Nazi imagery and the party's public image, highlighting ongoing challenges for political figures associated with controversial historical interests.

The political fallout from Hargestam's resignation spotlights the broader implications of private collections and historical fascinations intersecting with public political life in Sweden.