Two Sweden Democrats Depart Over Health and Leadership Issues Ahead of 2026 Elections

Two prominent Sweden Democrats (SD) politicians have recently left their positions, citing health concerns and dissatisfaction with party leadership. Per Hanö, a municipal councilor from Valdemarsvik active since 2018, resigned from all political assignments immediately due to health reasons, emphasizing that his condition required this decision. Meanwhile, Marianne Sandström, an opposition councilor in Region Norrbotten, has left the SD amid severe criticism of the party's top-down leadership and perceived gender inequality. Sandström announced she can no longer support the direction SD is taking and has joined the Christian Democrats (KD), positioning herself as a top candidate for the upcoming 2026 regional elections. Although currently independent, she plans to represent KD post-election. Her new KD colleague, Håkan Kero, expressed optimism about her arrival, noting increasing ideological alignment between the parties. These departures highlight internal challenges within the Sweden Democrats as they approach the 2026 elections, underscoring both health and ideological conflicts influencing party dynamics.