The domestic political discussions about the handling and effects of the Koran actions continue in Sweden. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) has, among other things, received criticism for being too absent – not least from the social democratic side.
– If you are extremely responsible as prime minister, you have to stand up in crisis situations and be able to come forward, says Peter Hultqvist (S), Member of Parliament.
Peter Hultqvist therefore believes that it is too quiet from Kristersson’s side – as Sweden’s prime minister, he is responsible for communicating the government’s view of the situation, he believes.
– And it is in this case that Koran burnings are not acceptable. You also have to report what strategy you have in the short and long term, says Hultqvist.
Not completely silent
But Kristersson has not been completely silent. Last week he expressed strong concern about further Koran burnings, and on Monday another Koran was kicked and burned just a stone’s throw from the Riksdag in Stockholm.
This weekend, the Prime Minister also stated that he had been in close contact with Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Fredriksen regarding the fires in Sweden and Denmark.
In a post on Facebook, he writes that the countries are two of the world’s most well-functioning democracies that stand up for freedom of expression and freedom of demonstration, but that we are in a very difficult situation, just you:
“We are in the most serious security policy situation since World War II, and here at home we know that both states, state-like actors and individuals can take advantage of the situation.”
The government is analyzing the OIC statement
Despite today’s Koran burning, and that the 57 OIC countries have now jointly condemned the recent burnings, there is still silence from the government’s side.
However, Foreign Minister Tobias Billström (M) is expected to make a statement after analyzing the content of the OIC’s resolution that was published on Monday evening.