It was during the Sweden Democrats’ national days just over a week ago that Jimmie Åkesson (SD) said that there should be a total stop to building new mosques in Sweden, and that some mosques should be demolished.
The statement has received a lot of criticism, not least among the country’s Muslims. Several mosques in Gothenburg joined together and sent a letter to Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) in which they wrote, among other things:
“You have an important role to stand up clearly and loudly for all Swedes, to unite the nation, to meet and represent all Swedes and distance yourself from those who try to drive wedges and divide us because of faith or origin”
The Prime Minister: Takes my responsibility
Now the Prime Minister has responded to the letter. He writes that we have a constitutionally protected right to practice religion in Sweden and that it applies equally to everyone. Furthermore, he writes that “…it also applies to the right not to believe at all, even the right to dislike one or all religions.”
Ulf Kristersson then reminds us of the increased terror threat level and the polarization in society and that he takes his responsibility, which the government and also civil society must do. He concludes with:
“Only then can we build resilience against those who want our country badly.”