Birgitta Ohlsson leads former Liberal Party members into Center Party

Birgitta Ohlsson, a prominent figure formerly associated with the Liberal Party (Folkpartiet), is now actively campaigning for the Center Party, drawing a significant following of ex-Liberals. Her presence has created a space for politically like-minded individuals who feel adrift after leaving the Liberal Party, with many describing themselves as "Folkpartiet-diaspora" or "people's party diaspora."

Ohlsson's campaign events, described as "liberal warming huts," have been likened to Liberal Party reunions, attracting a wave of new supporters to the Center Party. These former Liberal members, some of whom still identify as liberal, are finding a new political home. Helena Schmidt, a Center Party member, noted the similarity in atmosphere to Ikea, citing a "very high ceiling and a flat organization."

However, Ohlsson's shift has not been without controversy. The agricultural newspaper ATL criticized the Stockholm branch of the Center Party's embrace of Ohlsson, calling it "a slap in the face to farmers." She is identified as a significant opponent of rural interests by some. The article notes Ohlsson's background, including her vegetarianism, support for preserving wolf populations, and opposition to EU agricultural subsidies and industrial meat production.

Despite the criticism, Ohlsson remains optimistic, asserting that a growing liberal party must appeal to liberal-minded individuals wherever they are found, whether in cities or rural areas. She believes these individuals exist in both settings. Her campaign for the Center Party, coupled with her upcoming book, "Hon jag en gång var" (The Woman I Once Was), marks a new chapter in her political career.

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Vi har haft träffar som vi kallar ”liberala värmestugor” i Centerpartiet under våren. Då känns det som att vara på en Folkpartiet reunion!