Swedish far-right chief Jimmie Akesson rallies supporters ahead of September vote
Jimmie Akesson launched the final stretch of the campaign with a speech in Solvesborg, urging voters to give his party another term to pursue its immigration and crime policies.
In the last two weeks before Sweden’s parliamentary election, Sweden Democrats chief Jimmie Akesson delivered a rally in Solvesborg, calling for another four-year term to advance the party’s agenda on immigration, criminal justice and other issues. Attendees wore party merchandise and banners celebrating Akesson’s leadership. The party, which entered parliament in 2010 and has roots in 1980s neo-Nazi groups, currently backs Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s centre-right government without holding a cabinet seat, though the premier has suggested a future post for them.
Recent polls indicate the Social Democrats hold a six-point advantage over the incumbent coalition. Akesson hinted at a possible justice-minister slot and stressed that Sweden has changed dramatically over the past four years. Voters will also weigh whether the Sweden Democrats have sufficiently reformed after past scandals and a 2012 zero-tolerance racism policy, including an apology to the Jewish community in 2025.
Why it matters
The election will decide if Sweden’s far-right party can move from supporting to governing, shaping immigration and law-and-order policies.
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