Threats Against Swedish Politicians Highlight Growing Tensions
Recent threats against Swedish politicians, including Foreign Minister Stenergard, spotlight rising political tensions and public safety concerns.
Key Points
- • Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard faced a threatening incident on June 11, prompting political backlash.
- • Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned threats against politicians as attacks on democracy.
- • Regional politician Roger Johansson supports legal action against a colleague over threatening emails.
- • Concerns over public safety and harassment of politicians have intensified in Sweden.
On June 11, 2025, Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard became the latest target of a threatening incident, underscoring escalating harassment faced by politicians in Sweden. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed the alarming trend, stating that several politicians have increasingly been subjected to intimidation and harassment from activists, which he condemned as dangerous attacks on democracy. This incident reflects a broader context of fear among elected officials, with Stenergard asserting that politicians should be able to work without the looming threat of violence.
Stenergard expressed her commitment to the democratic process, emphasizing in a press conference, "I will always stand up for the right to demonstrate and protest, as well as the right to be a politician without fear of threats and violence." However, divisions have emerged regarding the nature of the protests that have taken place recently. Samuel Gonzalez Westling from the Left Party criticized the characterization of protestors as threats, noting he had received no reports of insecurity from his party members.
Moreover, the situation has been further complicated by the case of Roger Johansson, a regional politician from the Social Democratic Party. Johansson is currently facing a legal battle stemming from a series of threatening emails sent by a fellow party member, linked to a contentious local political issue—the future of Sollefteå hospital. Johansson welcomed the charges, noting that the prosecution sends a clear message that such behaviors are unacceptable among politicians. He remarked, "This shows that society accepts that politicians cannot behave like this towards one another. Otherwise, we would be on a slippery slope."
The Security Police (Säpo) is responsible for government protection but has not disclosed specifics concerning the threats, consistent with their protocols. Former Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson voiced her concern, insisting that no politician should feel threatened in their role, as it undermines democracy. Meanwhile, Kristersson tied the recent threats back to the dissemination of lies and antisemitism, urging that foreign conflicts should not escalate into domestic tensions.