Åkesson: Opposition role could be good for Sweden Democrats long-term

Jimmie Åkesson, leader of the Sweden Democrats, remains hopeful despite his party's current struggles in opinion polls. He outlined a plan for the party to lead the opposition should the governing "Tidö parties" lose the upcoming election.

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If we are still the largest party, it is a role that is important in itself, and which in the long term could even be good for the Sweden Democrats. Then we will try to gather and lead the opposition.

"If we are still the largest party, it is a role that is important in itself, and which in the long term could even be good for the Sweden Democrats," Åkesson stated. "Then we will try to gather and lead the opposition." He added that his task would be to prevent the Green Party, the Left Party, and the Social Democrats from dismantling the work done by the current government. He specifically voiced concern about the Social Democrats potentially giving "extreme parties" influence over migration policy.

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See to it that the Green Party and the Left Party together with the Social Democrats do not tear up all the important things we have done during four years. Be very critical of it, when the Social Democrats let in quite extreme parties, and give them influence over, for example, migration policy. They should not be allowed to do that in any kind of oblivion.

The Sweden Democrats' current campaign has focused heavily on issues related to Islam and Muslims, with campaign materials calling for the demolition of mosques, a national ban on prayer calls, and stating that Ramadan has no place in Sweden. However, when questioned about these points, Åkesson deflected. "I don't think anything in our campaign is directed at Islam or Muslims, actually," he claimed. When pressed about a recent statement by MP Richard Jomshof urging Muslims to "stop being Muslims," Åkesson stated he had not heard the comment and did not feel obligated to address it.

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I don't think anything in our campaign is directed at Islam or Muslims, actually. I haven't seen anything.

Åkesson refused to answer a question about which issue he would never compromise on in negotiations, and the interview was stopped. The article also notes that Åkesson would not agree to the introduction of market-based rents.

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It is an appeal from Richard Jomshof who is an atheist. I think he says the same thing to Christians if he gets the chance. But I understand what you mean here, and I will not buy it, then we will stop the interview here.