Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson criticizes both the Sweden Democrats and the Social Democrats for raising the tone – after Åkesson’s statements about mosques and Andersson’s demand to throw SD officials out of Rosenbad.
– I have said what I think of that kind of play, and what I think of the Social Democrats’ inability to unequivocally distance themselves. I think we should adjust the tone, says Kristersson.
It was at the Sweden Democrats’ country days this weekend that Åkesson (SD) said that he wants to review whether the construction of – or even demolish – mosques and other religious buildings can be stopped.
Kristersson (M), who leads the government with SD as the supporting party, has said that they should not “demolish any places of worship”. Now he also says that you should think about what you say.
– It is a serious security situation and you have reason to think about what you say right now. We must stand up for Swedish values, we do too, but it is a dangerous situation in the world and to express oneself in such a way that the outside world gets an impression of Sweden that is not correct, whether it is about misinformation or purely contemptuous positions I think you should avoid it, says Kristersson to TV4 Nyheterna.
No answer about the officials
Magdalena Andersson’s (S) response to Åkesson’s outburst was to suggest that SD officials be kicked out of Rosenbad. It was not something that Kristersson met in substance.
– The tone is polarized, above all between Sweden Democrats and Social Democrats, it is bad for Sweden. Everyone is responsible for what they say themselves, says the prime minister.