Swedish Female Politicians Face Significant Threats and Harassment, Sparking Calls for Greater Protection

A recent government-commissioned survey highlights the widespread issue of threats and harassment against elected officials in Sweden, particularly female politicians. According to the 2025 Politician Safety Survey by the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention (Brå), one in four elected officials experienced threats or harassment in 2024. Women were disproportionately targeted, with 27% reporting victimization compared to 24% of men, a trend consistent since 2018. Lillemor Gunnarsson, a member of the Center Party, shared the personal toll, expressing how the pressures left her feeling "so incredibly tired."

The survey, which gathered responses from 7,500 out of 13,300 politicians at various levels, found that victimization affected those in parliament (65%), regional councils (31%), and municipal councils (25%). Victims often experienced multiple incidents, with 54.2% targeted 2-5 times and 30.7% six or more times. The impact on political duties was significant, as half of those affected reported that threats influenced their work. Alarmingly, one in four considered leaving their political roles due to safety concerns, raising fears about political disengagement and self-censorship, as noted by Anna Frenzel from Brå.

In response to these challenges, the Moderates’ women’s wing (Moderatkvinnorna) successfully pushed several safety-related proposals at their 2025 party conference. The adopted measures emphasize improving women’s safety and health, including a national mapping of women’s vulnerability to gang crime, criminalizing psychological and economic violence, and increasing flexibility in parental insurance and access to childcare. These initiatives aim to create a safer and more equitable society, supporting women’s political participation and overall well-being.

This data and the ensuing policy responses underscore the urgent need for strengthened protections and support mechanisms for female politicians in Sweden, addressing both the physical and psychological burdens they face.