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Thousands to Rally in Stockholm Ahead of Swedish Election, Protesting Right-Wing Climate Policies

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Thousands are expected to protest in Stockholm ahead of Sweden's general election on September 13, demonstrating against the right-wing government's climate policies.
  • The government, supported by the Sweden Democrats, has lowered gasoline taxes and eased regulations on low-carbon fuel alternatives since taking office in 2022.
  • Critics, including environmental groups and experts, warn that these policies jeopardize Sweden's carbon emission reduction targets, while recent polls show the right-wing bloc trailing.

Thousands are set to gather in Sweden's capital for a major climate demonstration ahead of the nation's general election on September 13. Police and organizers anticipate around 10,000 participants in Stockholm, with climate issues emerging as a key concern for voters.

The right-wing government, led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and supported by the populist Sweden Democrats, has implemented measures such as reducing gasoline taxes and relaxing requirements for fuel suppliers to add low-carbon alternatives. These actions were taken after the government assumed power in 2022.

The climate crisis is very real and is already happening.

— Beatrice RindevallPresident of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, a key organizer of the climate demonstration.

Sweden's climate goals include achieving a 70% reduction in transport-related emissions compared to 2010 levels by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2045. However, the Kristersson government has rejected recommendations from an official committee aimed at meeting the 2030 target, which included proposals like increasing taxes on gasoline and diesel to phase out fossil fuels. The government has defended its approach, arguing for a gradual phase-out to maintain and strengthen Sweden's competitiveness and businesses.

Despite these justifications, experts both within Sweden and internationally have repeatedly warned that the government's climate policies could jeopardize the country's emission reduction targets. Recent opinion polls indicate that the right-wing bloc is currently trailing in support. The demonstration, organized by over 200 NGOs and associations, including researchers, youth groups, unions, and environmental organizations, is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. local time. Beatrice Rindevall, president of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, one of the organizers, stated, "The climate crisis is very real and is already happening." She pointed to the severe heatwaves across Europe this summer as evidence, emphasizing, "Now is the time to implement climate policies that reduce emissions immediately."

Now is the time to implement climate policies that reduce emissions immediately.

— Beatrice RindevallA call to action from the organizer of the climate protest ahead of Sweden's general election.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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