The Swedish Liberal Party (Liberalerna) is facing internal division following a controversial decision to drop its 'red line' against cooperation with the Sweden Democrats (Sverigedemokraterna). According to reports from Dagens Nyheter and TV4 Nyheterna, the party board decided on Friday to eliminate the long-standing policy barrier, allowing the party to potentially join a government with the Sweden Democrats.
This policy reversal has sparked significant opposition within the party. Cecilia Rönn, the party's economic policy spokesperson, has been identified as a potential challenger to current party leader Simona Mohamsson. However, Rönn has reportedly declined to comment directly on leadership ambitions, stating in a message to TT news agency: 'I want to focus on the policy issue, not on the person.'
I want to focus on the policy issue, not on the person
Rönn expressed opposition to the board's decision, calling it 'a value-based shift that I cannot stand behind.' She also criticized the upcoming extra party congress scheduled for Sunday, which will vote on confidence in Mohamsson's leadership rather than on the policy change itself, describing this approach as 'unfortunate.'
The internal conflict has led to further resignations. Veteran party member and Member of Parliament Helene Odenjung announced she will not seek re-election if the new SD policy receives support at the party congress. In a Facebook post, Odenjung described the decision as 'unfortunate and unfounded,' adding that she remains 'sad, angry, and disappointed.'
a value-based shift that I cannot support
Party insiders report growing mobilization among critics seeking to find an alternative candidate to Mohamsson, with some party officials threatening to resign over the policy shift.
unfortunate that delegates will vote on confidence in Mohamsson rather than on the policy issue itself
I think the party congress must be allowed to say whether they want to go in this direction or not
unfortunate and unfounded