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Researchers: The voters most sensitive to 'pork barrel' spending
🇸🇪 Sweden /Elections & Politics

Researchers: The voters most sensitive to 'pork barrel' spending

From Dagens Nyheter · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Context piece
  • Swedish political parties are increasingly using late campaign promises, or "valfläsk" (pork barrel spending), in the lead-up to the 2026 election.
  • Researchers argue these late promises are unlikely to sway voters, as most have already decided their stance, with only a small percentage remaining undecided.
  • The effectiveness of "valfläsk" is debated, but some research suggests it is most impactful when targeting young families with small children, particularly on private economic issues with an ideological basis.

With just over three months remaining until the 2026 election, Swedish political parties are actively presenting a flurry of proposals, a tactic often referred to as "valfläsk" or pork-barrel spending. Recent examples include the Tidö parties' joint proposal to halve public transport fares, the Moderates' suggestion to lower the age limit for purchasing alcohol at Systembolaget, and the Green Party's plan for a new tram line in Stockholm.

It says more about the view one has of the voters.

— Henrik Ekengren OscarssonA professor of political science commenting on the strategy behind late campaign promises.

However, political scientists are questioning the efficacy of these late-game promises. Henrik Ekengren Oscarsson, a professor of political science specializing in election research at the University of Gothenburg, suggests that there is limited research to support the idea that voters make short-term, behavior-altering decisions based on such proposals. "It says more about the view one has of the voters," he commented, implying that parties might overestimate voters' susceptibility to last-minute incentives.

Oscarsson believes that parties often hold back significant announcements for the end of the campaign, but many voters have already made up their minds by this point. "Many leave it open – but they leave it open between parties that are quite close to each other in the political landscape," he noted. Data from Statistics Sweden's annual party sympathy survey indicates that nearly 20 percent of voters are uncertain, a slight increase from 15 percent before the 2022 election. Political scientists suggest that targeting voters in the political center is key.

Many leave it open – but they leave it open between parties that are quite close to each other in the political landscape.

— Henrik Ekengren OscarssonDescribing the state of undecided voters close to an election.

Jonas Hinnfors, an emeritus professor at the University of Gothenburg, adds that surprising policy announcements should ideally be made earlier in a government's term to gain traction. If they come too late, they risk being overshadowed by other news or failing to resonate with voters. While "valfläsk" is often viewed negatively by opponents as a cynical attempt to win votes, Hinnfors acknowledges that its definition depends on who is asked. Research indicates that "valfläsk" can be effective when it targets specific demographics, such as young families with small children who are particularly sensitive to private economic issues. Proposals with an ideological foundation, like those concerning profit distribution in publicly funded welfare services, are also more likely to influence voter decisions across party lines.

The definition of what can be defined as 'valfläsk' simply depends on who you ask. The concept has a negative connotation.

— Jonas HinnforsAn emeritus professor discussing the perception and definition of 'valfläsk'.
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.

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