Social Democrats hold lead ahead of elections in Malmö, Sweden
In Malmö, Sweden, the Social Democrats and the left-wing bloc are likely to retain power in the city after the local elections, according to The Local Sweden. In the Skåne region, the left-wing bloc has a small chance of taking control of the regional authority. The main campaign issues are healthcare funding, public transport ticket prices and parking fees.
Party ratings in Malmö
A poll for the Sydsvenskan newspaper showed that support for the Social Democratic Party in Malmö rose from 30.7% in the 2022 elections to 32.2%. The Green Party's rating increased from 5.5% to 7.7%.
The Sweden Democrats also increased their support, from 14.9% to 16.7%. At the same time, the Moderates, Liberals and Christian Democrats lost support, which, according to the publication, makes a transfer of power to right-wing parties unlikely. The Centre Party, which had previously advocated removing the Social Democrats from power, said this year that it was ready to join a coalition led by them.
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Transport, healthcare and parking
Voters named the price of public transport tickets as the most important issue in the regional elections. The Social Democrats promise to reduce the cost of a monthly regional travel pass in the spring from 1,300 to 500 Swedish kronor, continuing the government-introduced halving of the price in the autumn. The Green Party and the Left Party have similar promises, while right-wing parties and the Sweden Democrats oppose extending the reduced ticket prices.
The Social Democrats accuse the Skåne regional authorities of healthcare cuts that, in their view, have resulted in long queues for treatment. Carl-Johan Sonesson, the leader of the Moderate Party in Skåne, called these claims exaggerated and misleading.
In Malmö, opposition parties criticize higher parking fees for residents and the requirement to buy parking tickets for a week or a month. The Moderates promise to lower these rates and abolish them in certain areas. The Green Party proposes developing pedestrian and cycling routes, public transport and bringing back trams. The Social Democrats advocate for more teachers in schools, while the Left Party supports a minimum salary of at least 27,000 kronor per month for permanent municipal employees.
