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The moderates, the Christian Democrats, the Liberals, the Center Party and the Swedish Democrats are in favor of the so-called NATO option.
A NATO option does not mean that Sweden must apply for NATO membership. On the other hand, this means that Sweden must be prepared to be able to join quickly.
On Wednesday, the Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riksdag decided to make an announcement to the government, that is, a call to the government to introduce a NATO option in the line of security policy.
This is the first time that there is a majority in the Riksdag for this, as the Swedish Democrats have flipped the issue.
SD still against membership
However, it is only on the issue of the NATO option that SD has oscillated, not on the issue of membership, says Swedish Democrats’ defense policy spokesman Roger Richtoff.
The reason they support the announcement is to facilitate defense cooperation with Finland, which has a NATO option in its security policy line.
– We strive to eventually enter into a defense alliance with Finland, we see this as a natural way to take a step towards that defense alliance, he says.
– Therefore, we have not in any way changed our opinion on the issue of NATO membership.
Kerstin Lundgren, a foreign policy spokesperson for the Center Party, says the announcement gives a clear signal to the government.
– That Sweden should do the same as Finland and declare a NATO option, that is, that there should be an opportunity to apply for NATO membership, is something we have demanded for several years, he says.
“Significant negative event”
Chancellor Ann Linde (S) is critical.
– This is a significant negative safety event for us in Sweden. Decisions like this must be discussed together, they must be made with large majorities, Linde tells TT.
A decision on the announcement will be made in the Riksdag chamber next week, writes TT.
The text is updated.
