Swedish politicians pause election attacks after Fagersta shooting

Following a deadly incident in Fagersta, Swedish politicians have stepped back from the election campaign trail, bowing their heads to the tragedy. The personal attacks and political pronouncements that recently inflamed party leaders now seem petty and insignificant. Yet, the author anticipates that the school shooting will soon become a political issue.

This commentary highlights that brutal events sometimes remind us that politics is more than just a game. When the prime minister and opposition leader shake hands to show the nation stands united against violence, they are driven by genuine values. Simultaneously, they carefully consider how their actions affect the ongoing election campaign. Human emotions and political calculations coexist in the political mind.

For Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, demonstrating that he and the Moderate Party are the "party that can unite," as he often says, is crucial. This is especially true when compared to other parties in his Tidö Coalition. Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Åkesson was the only party leader not present when parties gathered after the shooting, citing a prior commitment to a televised interview. Regardless of the strength of his reasons, the incident underscores that he and his party lack the capacity to appear unifying in a national tragedy.

When the prime minister and opposition leader momentarily rise above the election campaign, they show voters they see themselves as larger than the rest of the political field. Regardless of the election's outcome, the responsibility to govern and form a government will fall on one of them. The election campaign is, after all, the time for democracy and political debate.

Both leaders call for calm discussion and warn against hasty conclusions, stating it is too early to draw political lessons from the school shooting. For now, everyone can agree on being concerned about issues like mental health, school safety, and tech companies' responsibility for what happens on social media. But soon, Fagersta will also become political. Even if party leaders initially avoid exploiting the event, other commentators will draw conclusions and accuse political opponents of bearing responsibility. The perpetrator's apparent inspiration from previous attacks, some with anti-immigrant motives, and encouragement from like-minded individuals online, suggests a renewed debate about the responsibility of parties and media outlets that promote conflict-driving messages. The feeling that polarization, personal attacks, and dehumanization risk triggering violent actions may also temper the harshest tones in the election debate.

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partierna tar ett steg tillbaka från valstriden och böjer sina huvuden inför tragedin.