Fresh statistics compiled by SRF Research show that Jimmie Åkesson has been seen less and less in the media since December 2022 (see fact box).
According to Elisabeth Marmorstein, it is likely that Jimmie Åkesson is currently prioritizing the internal work in SD.
– It’s a long way to the election and the opinion figures don’t mean much. But it is clear that some within SD think he should be seen more. The government’s start has also been very bleak, with falling confidence figures and a troublesome betrayal debate. In that situation, Åkesson, unlike the other party leaders in the Tidö collaboration, can choose to lie low, she says.
“Need to expand the team”
SVT’s Mari Forssblad, who followed Jimmie Åkesson in the documentary “The Game of Power”, says that the party leader’s focus is precisely the Tidö Agreement.
– From what I’ve heard, Jimmie Åkesson is there in the background to the highest degree, even if he isn’t visible outwardly as much. He is passionate about the Tidö Agreement and sits with his nose in books and memos, according to a source close to him. He also needs to broaden the team and make room for future SD ministers. The Sweden Democrats are safe with their voters and the calculation is that he does not need to be seen all the time, she says Politburo.
“Pretty nasty workload”
Oscar Sjöstedt is economic and political spokesperson in SD:
– I think it is quite good that other spokespeople who represent their respective areas of expertise come forward and are seen. Party leaders in general have a rather disgusting workload frankly speaking, it is close to inhumane. If this scouting is correct, it is positive that you can share the workload a little.
Party secretary Mattias Bäckström Johansson describes Jimmie Åkesson as SD’s “biggest intangible asset”.
– He will absolutely be visible and be out both in political matters but also around the country what is suffering, he says Politburo.