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๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ช Sweden /Elections & Politics

Kristersson: Jomshof is sabotaging the election campaign

From Svenska Dagbladet · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson criticized Sweden Democrats lawmaker Richard Jomshof for sabotaging the election campaign with his remarks.
  • Jomshof suggested Muslims should stop being Muslim, sparking outrage from other parties.
  • Other party leaders, including Simona Mohamsson of the Liberals, emphasized inclusivity, while Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie ร…kesson highlighted religious freedom but warned against prioritizing Sharia law over Swedish legislation.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has accused Richard Jomshof, a lawmaker from the Sweden Democrats, of sabotaging the election campaign with his provocative statements. Jomshof's recent comment in Dagens Nyheter, suggesting that Muslims should "stop being Muslims," has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum.

Jomshof seeks attention all the time, what he says is stupid.

โ€” Ulf KristerssonPrime Minister and Moderate Party leader Ulf Kristersson commenting on Richard Jomshof's remarks.

Kristersson, speaking as he entered a debate hosted by Expressen and Dagens Industri, called Jomshof's remarks "stupid" and aimed at seeking attention. "We should be discussing real issues, the big important issues that allow voters to take a stand," Kristersson stated, implying Jomshof's comments distract from substantive political debate.

We should be discussing real issues, the big important issues that allow voters to take a stand.

โ€” Ulf KristerssonPrime Minister and Moderate Party leader Ulf Kristersson on the election campaign.

Liberal party leader Simona Mohamsson also disagreed with Jomshof's sentiment, advocating for an "open Swedishness" where all who share the country's values are welcome. However, she maintained that Jomshof's statement does not alter her view of his party, citing freedom of speech.

I think it is important that we have an open Swedishness, where people who are part of our community of values are welcome into it.

โ€” Simona MohamssonLiberal party leader Simona Mohamsson on inclusivity.

Jimmie ร…kesson, leader of the Sweden Democrats, defended religious freedom in Sweden. He acknowledged that people will continue to be Muslim but stressed that problems arise when individuals prioritize Sharia law over Swedish legislation. The debate highlights ongoing tensions regarding integration and national identity in Sweden.

No, it is freedom of speech. He can write books about whatever he wants. I can say what I think.

โ€” Simona MohamssonLiberal party leader Simona Mohamsson on freedom of speech regarding Richard Jomshof's comments.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Svenska Dagbladet in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.