Lars Leijonborg has made a comeback in the Liberalerna party, which is reportedly in crisis. According to reports from Svenska Dagbladet and Aftonbladet, his return could have significant symbolic importance for the party. Political scientist Patrik Öhberg, from the Som-institute, stated that Simona Mohamssons has been quite alone in her leadership.
He suggested that Leijonborg's comeback might be a turning point, as it could encourage others to join and shift media focus away from critics leaving. Leijonborg, who led the party from 1997 to 2007, reportedly has high credibility and political capital, unlike Mohamssons, who is described as very green with little political capital. His success in the 2002 election earned him the nickname Leijonkungen in the media, with integration policy as a key issue, including proposals for language tests for citizenship.
Simona Mohamssons has been quite alone in her leadership.
Öhberg noted that Leijonborg's credibility is linked to law and order and stricter demands, and his celebrity might play a role for older voters, though the effect is reportedly smaller in a parliamentary election than in an EU election. The impact is seen as more indirect, signaling support and changing the narrative.
Leijonborg's comeback might be a turning point, as it could encourage others to join and shift media focus away from critics leaving.
Leijonborg's credibility is linked to law and order and stricter demands, and his celebrity might play a role for older voters, though the effect is reportedly smaller in a parliamentary election than in an EU election.