Swedish far-right party floods Stockholm Central Station with anti-immigrant ads

In mid-August, the Sweden Democrats invested around $100,000 to plaster anti-immigration slogans throughout Stockholm Central Station, targeting second-generation immigrants and welfare recipients. The party also placed provocative ads on regional buses, which led roughly 20 drivers of Somali background to stage a sick-out, after which the operator Vasttrafik took down the posters for safety reasons. Political commentator Zina al-Dewany described the tactics as deliberately shocking, while SD MP Tobias Andersson framed the takedown as censorship.

The campaign occurred weeks before the September 13 general election, where the Sweden Democrats are polling in second place and could join a right-wing government. The episode reflects the party’s growing acceptance within Sweden’s mainstream right after years of isolation, highlighted by recent coalition agreements and statements from Liberal leader Simona Mohamsson. Reactions from station staff and the public ranged from discomfort to heated debates, with some donors increasing contributions to a charity aiding Gaza.