Mass criticism of Åkesson’s word choice: unworthy of a party leader

Of: Olof Svensson

Published: February 19, 2021 at 12:32
Updated: February 19, 2021 at 12:57 p.m.

Jimmie Åkesson demands the cessation of all immigration that constitutes a “cultural burden”.

The statement has been met with massive criticism from his political opponents.

– The politics and rhetoric of the Swedish Democrats are radicalized as public debate exceeds its limits, Annie Lööf says in a statement.

Swedish Democrats want a complete halt to asylum and immigration, including quota refugees. In a statement on Twitter, party leader Jimmie Åkesson writes that the total cessation should apply to “all immigration that constitutes a social, cultural or economic burden.”

The part with cultural impact has made several of Åkesson’s political opponents appear red.

People on the run as a “cultural burden”. We also remember the Swedish Democratic discussion about who is Swedish, “writes Center leader Annie Lööf (C) Twitter.

Party colleague and member of parliament Martin Ådahl believes that the choice of words is racist and draws a parallel to ‘inherited essence’, a concept that until 2019 was included in SD’s party program.

Photo: Lotte Fernvall

Annika Strandhäll.

Public conversation goes off the rails

Annika Strandhäll (S) writes in a statement on Twitter: “This is the Sweden you see in 2021. This is not my Sweden. How have we been able to allow the public conversation to go off the rails in this way? “

Liberal party leader Nyamko Sabuni wrote in a statement on Facebook.

“Outbursts of anger against immigrants on Twitter are not worthy of a party leader for a parliamentary party.”

She continues:

“The way forward for Sweden is to have a long-term sustainable migration policy, not the collective indebtedness of immigrants in which SD participates.”

Aftonbladet has sought out Jimmie Åkesson for an interview. SD press office asks to return.

Published: February 19, 2021 at 12:32