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Liberal Party Leadership Bans Public Criticism After Internal Conflict Over Sweden Democrats Cooperation

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Key Points
  • Liberalerna's leadership has forbidden public criticism of the party's new line on cooperation with the Sweden Democrats.
  • The directive comes after Simona Mohamsson's policy was approved at a recent party meeting, though many delegates abstained.
  • Party Secretary Fredrik Brange says Liberalerna is in a 'new start' and needs internal debate but external unity.

The Liberal Party (Liberalerna) leadership has reportedly issued an internal directive forbidding party representatives from publicly criticizing the party's new line on government cooperation with the Sweden Democrats. According to documents obtained by Aftonbladet and Ekot, the directive was sent to district chairmen across the country in a document titled 'Forward-looking cohesion after internal conflict.' The document states that 'deviant views on the new line in the government question or criticism towards the process or party leadership are NOT to be given in external contexts or in media.' However, such dissenting opinions are reportedly welcome 'when needed in relevant internal contexts.' The directive comes after party leader Simona Mohamsson's line on cooperation with the Sweden Democrats was approved at an extraordinary party meeting about a week ago. Despite the approval, the party remains divided, with a significant portion of delegates voting blank and several prominent representatives leaving in protest. Party Secretary Fredrik Brange stated in a written comment to Ekot that Liberalerna is in a 'new start,' adding that 'for most organizations, it's obvious with high ceilings internally and clear cohesion externally.' The internal document reportedly warns that public criticism could damage the party, stating it 'harms trust in the party as a whole and gives an impression that we care more about fighting than tackling societal problems.'

deviant views on the new line in the government question or criticism towards the process or party leadership are NOT to be given in external contexts or in media

for most organizations, it's obvious with high ceilings internally and clear cohesion externally

Fredrik Brange, Party Secretary

harms trust in the party as a whole and gives an impression that we care more about fighting than tackling societal problems

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