Gellerbrant, a key SD player, takes parental leave seven days before election

Gustav Gellerbrant is described as a central player in the inner rooms of Swedish power. Yet seven days before the election, the Sweden Democrats’ chief coordinator is going on parental leave after an investigation by Expo, leaving the party without one of its most influential roles.

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He is perceived to be very important and is often described as a key player. Among Moderates, he is seen as someone you can rely on.

Gellerbrant previously worked within the Moderate Party and served as an adviser to former Justice Minister Beatrice Ask. He left the party in protest over the December Agreement in 2014 and joined the Sweden Democrats before the 2018 election. He later became one of Jimmie Åkesson’s closest officials.

As head of the coordination office, Gellerbrant holds a powerful position within the Government Offices. Political scientist Andreas Johansson Heinö described him as a trusted figure among Moderates and a key player. Jonas Hinnfors, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Gothenburg, said the position could put him in line for a senior ministerial role if the Tidö parties secure a majority.

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It is a central role in the inner rooms of power. A person in that role could very much be in the running for a senior ministerial post if the Tidö parties win a majority.

Gellerbrant has also been described within the Sweden Democrats as the architect of the party’s migration policy. Hinnfors said immigration is the party’s most important ideological issue and therefore another reason Gellerbrant is considered central.

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Immigration is clearly the most important ideological issue within the Sweden Democrats, across the board. It is the core, so of course he is a key person in that respect as well.

In his current role, Gellerbrant has coordinated cooperation between the government and the Sweden Democrats. Hinnfors said his Moderate background may help him understand how another party is organized and how it reacts. Johansson Heinö added that some Moderates may still see him as someone like them, potentially making his role as a mediator easier. The article excerpt ends while Hinnfors is explaining how the chief coordinator helps prevent disputes from escalating to party leaders.

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There is a major cultural difference between the parties, which both sides are aware of. It is possible that Moderates may still see him as someone who is like us.