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Kristersson's revealing comment on migration policy flew under the radar
๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ช Sweden /Culture & Society

Kristersson's revealing comment on migration policy flew under the radar

From Dagens Nyheter · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Context piece
  • Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated his government will maintain its current course on migration policy if re-elected, despite poor poll numbers.
  • The government's policy has focused on making it harder for labor migrants to enter Sweden and increasing deportations, largely driven by the Sweden Democrats.
  • Kristersson's comments suggest a continuation of strict deportation policies, even after public pressure led to adjustments for certain groups like teenagers with family ties in Sweden.

Despite lagging poll numbers for the governing Tidรถ parties, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson indicated in an interview that his government intends to maintain its course on migration policy if re-elected. Kristersson described the changes made during this term as "absolute necessities" and stated that while the next term would be "different," the "course" would be held.

I don't think so.

โ€” Ulf KristerssonResponding to a question about whether voters dislike the government's direction on migration and crime policy.

The current administration's migration policy has primarily focused on two areas: hindering labor immigration by significantly raising salary requirements and increasing deportations. This approach has largely been dictated by the Sweden Democrats. The policy has also involved "secret agreements" with countries to facilitate deportations.

absolute necessities

โ€” Ulf KristerssonDescribing the changes made to migration policy during his government's term.

Earlier this year, a debate erupted over the deportation of teenagers who had grown up and attended school in Sweden. Public outcry led the government to adjust its policy for this specific group, an outcome the author views as an "accident in the work" or a tactic to avoid the issue during the election campaign. However, Kristersson's recent statement suggests that the strict deportation policies will likely continue, a stance echoed by Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie ร…kesson, who has also indicated a desire for further immigration restrictions after the election.

different, but we shall nevertheless hold the course.

โ€” Ulf KristerssonStating his intention for the next term if his party wins the election.
DistantNews Editorial

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