Swedish Political Divide Deepens as Liberalernas Reject Cooperation with Sverigedemokraterna
Liberalernas' refusal to govern with Sverigedemokraterna after 2026 heightens political tensions in Sweden amid ongoing debates on unemployment and coalition stability.
- • Liberalernas unanimously decided not to cooperate with Sverigedemokraterna after the 2026 elections.
- • Magdalena Andersson claims the current government coalition is fractured due to this decision.
- • Ulf Kristersson downplays the impact, citing effective past cooperation with Sverigedemokraterna.
- • Debate on unemployment reveals conflicting views on job availability and responsibility among party leaders.
Key details
On October 11, 2025, Sweden's political landscape saw increased tensions as Liberalernas declared they will not cooperate with Sverigedemokraterna (SD) after the 2026 elections, signaling potential instability in the current government coalition. Magdalena Andersson, leader of the Socialdemokraterna, asserted that this decision indicates the government's coalition "has fallen apart," casting doubt on the Tidöpartierna's prime ministerial candidate and pointing to deep political fractures.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson downplayed the Liberalernas' stance, emphasizing effective past collaboration between his party and SD despite differing principles. Kristersson expressed confidence in future cooperation and highlighted the importance of voter decisions influencing government formation. Sverigedemokraterna’s Jimmie Åkesson acknowledged Liberalernas’ consistent refusal to work with SD, describing current cooperation as productive but unsustainable long-term, suggesting SD might either enter government or return to opposition after the elections.
Amid these political shifts, discussions also centered on Sweden's employment situation during a heated TV4 debate among the leaders of major parties. Kristersson cited 72,000 job openings listed on Platsbanken, including 17,000 requiring no education, arguing opportunities exist for those relying on welfare. However, Nooshi Dadgostar from the Left Party challenged this, pointing to over 485,000 unemployed individuals and questioning job availability. Magdalena Andersson urged for more vocational training and activation requirements to bridge the gap between openings and unemployed individuals, interpreting Kristersson’s claims skeptically. Jimmie Åkesson reinforced the notion of personal responsibility, noting jobs like tire fitting and dishwasher positions remain unfilled due to job seekers’ reluctance.
The debates underscore a politically polarized Sweden struggling with coalition cohesion and persistent unemployment, spotlighting diverging views on governance and labor market solutions. Socialdemokraterna remain open to cooperation with all but Sverigedemokraterna, signaling potential realignments ahead of the next election cycle.