Vänsterpartiet Removes 22 Pro-Hamas Candidates Amid Controversy Ahead of 2026 Elections

Vänsterpartiet has removed 22 candidates from its election lists after a report by Expressen revealed their involvement in activities supportive of Hamas. The investigation found several candidates had participated in celebrations following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, praised terrorist organizations, and mourned terrorist leaders. This led to swift removals, particularly in the Skåne district, where nine candidates including Ahmed El Kilani and Mohamad Abdulkarim from Landskrona were struck from the lists. Other affected regions included Jönköping and Örebro.

Maria Carlsson, the party's press officer, confirmed the total of 22 removals and noted the party is continuing to evaluate the suitability of other candidates. Maria Forsberg, party secretary, emphasized the importance of distinguishing legitimate activism against genocide in Gaza from antisemitism and support for terrorist groups.

One of those removed, 26-year-old Hala Saafan, accused Vänsterpartiet of hypocrisy in an interview, suggesting that the party was aware of her views beforehand but chose to act only after negative media attention. Saafan was listed 19th for the municipal council in Norrköping. Nicklas Lundström, group leader in Östergötland, remarked he had no prior indication of her alleged terror sympathies.

The controversy has sparked debate within the party and broader Swedish politics, as Vänsterpartiet seeks to respond to criticism and maintain a clear stance against terrorism while supporting opposition to human rights abuses. The party has vowed to continue vetting candidates to ensure alignment with their policies ahead of the 2026 elections.