The Social Democrats’ Magdalena Andersson calls for a gathering after the announcement that the terror threat level is being raised.
– The most important thing for our country is that we stick together. There are forces in our country, both Islamists and right-wing extremists, who will try to exploit the situation to increase division, says Magdalena Andersson (S) to SVT Nyheter’s reporter on the spot in the corridors of the Riksdag.
She sees positively that the government has ensured that responsible authorities have the legislation and the resources they need, but is not entirely without criticism when it comes to how the government has acted so far.
– I think it would be good for everyone if the government could be a little clearer about what their strategy going forward is, says ANDersson.
“Serious situation”
The Green Party’s spokesperson Märta Stenevi calls it “a serious situation”.
“It is important that we now act for Sweden’s common security. Take care of each other.” She writes on X.
According to SD’s group leader Linda Lindberg, it is not the law on freedom of expression that is the problem, but rather the people who cannot handle it.
– The Sweden Democrats have long warned about the migration policy of previous governments, but also that they have been too naive towards extreme groups – anti-Islamism not least. I think that is what we are seeing the effect of now, says Linda Lindberg (SD) to SVT.
The anti-Islam image is a driving factor
An image of Sweden as hostile to Islam has been a driving factor behind the heightened threat, according to Säpo.
Representatives from the Sweden Democrats have previously spoken out critically about Islam, for example SD member Richard Jomshof’s Twitter post, which received criticism for fueling anger.
According to Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, there are reasons to think about how you express yourself.
– There is no reason to intentionally offend someone else as it actually risks threatening Sweden. Calmness and realizing the seriousness of the situation is my message, says Ulf Kristersson (M) during a press conference on Thursday.
– When we listen to Säpo’s analysis, Jomshof’s statement is not particularly presented as a problem, but various events that mean that it is now necessary to raise the security level, says Linda Lindberg (SD).