Swedish party leaders clash in final debate ahead of elections
In the Swedish city of Gävle, the leaders of eight political parties held their final pre-election debate on SVT ahead of elections to parliament, regional and municipal councils. During the two-hour discussion, politicians argued heatedly over taxes, the country’s climate targets, raising the age of criminal responsibility, and the conditions for staying in Sweden.
Dispute over taxes
As YLE News reports, Left Party leader Nooshi Dadgostar accused the government of cutting taxes by SEK 120 billion. She said that at the same time, the country has no money to raise nurses’ salaries.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who represents the Moderate Coalition Party, replied that the government makes its own priority choices. He also said that the other side wants to increase aid abroad, which requires substantial funds.
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Unemployment and the electoral situation
Social Democratic Party leader Magdalena Andersson raised the issue of unemployment and addressed Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Åkesson directly. “Jimmie Åkesson asks why I am so angry. I have to ask Jimmie Åkesson: how can he be so satisfied?” she said.
Sweden’s current right-wing government consists of the Moderate Coalition Party, the Christian Democrats and the Liberals. The Sweden Democrats, which did not join the government after the 2022 elections, support it. According to SVT commentator Mats Knutson, the elections may be highly competitive, while the latest opinion polls show significant differences in party support ratings.
