The Swedish Liberal Party (Liberalerna) is experiencing significant internal turmoil as it prepares for an extraordinary national meeting this Sunday to decide on the re-election of party leader Simona Mohamsson. According to reports, the meeting will effectively serve as a referendum on Mohamsson's new political line, which would allow the Sweden Democrats to participate in a future right-wing government.
Despite the internal conflicts, the party has reportedly gained 658 new members since Mohamsson embraced SD leader Jimmie Åkesson in the parliament press room last week. However, political scientist Jenny Madestam warns that new, inexperienced members cannot compensate for the potential loss of experienced party workers. "Liberalerna risks losing competence that is essential for an election campaign," Madestam told TV4 Nyheterna.
Liberalerna risks losing competence that is essential for an election campaign
Several party leaders have threatened to leave the party in protest against the SD policy shift, including Stockholm opposition councilor Jan Jönsson. The party's youth wing has called for the entire party board to resign, and Liberal ministers have reportedly stated they will leave if the party leader is voted out on Sunday.
Sources within the party warn of a "broken party" that will not function effectively in an upcoming election campaign, regardless of which faction prevails in Sunday's vote. Some local chapters are reportedly considering campaigning only locally for Liberalerna if Mohamsson's line wins, while ignoring the party at the national level.