Secret lists, power struggles, and shattered dreams – the Green Party’s mouthpiece battle is on. The party’s leadership battle is causing internal turmoil and uncertainty about where the power will ultimately land. Sitting spokeswoman Märta Stenevi finds herself in a precarious position, wanting to have her cake and eat it too.
A few days ago, potential candidates for the position of spokesperson for the Environmental Parity party had to submit their declarations of interest. At present, ten men have expressed their interest, although most of them don’t appear to be serious contenders. In fact, during a recent interview on Sweden’s radio, one candidate even endorsed another candidate’s name when asked who the best candidate was.
However, several candidates have revealed themselves to be unserious contenders by stating that they would only run if the party continues to have two mouthpieces. Currently, the party is considering a transition to a single party leader, which has sparked a process to test support for the change. Candidates who are not willing to challenge the incumbent spokesperson, Märta Stenevi, are not considered serious contenders.
The Green Party is in dire need of a major transformation. After years in government, followed by a painful departure from the same government and a decline in popularity among voters, the party needs to reevaluate its strategies. While the climate movement has become a global force, the Green Party has failed to capitalize on it. The party has been unable to grasp the conflicts that arise from the green transition, and its proposed solutions have failed to persuade the public to make the necessary sacrifices for the environment and climate.
Despite its high confidence and clear profile on important environmental issues, the Green Party has struggled to translate this into effective action. The party has not conducted a thorough analysis of the election results or determined what steps it needs to take to gain traction. It’s a question that has remained unanswered for years, leaving the party’s future uncertain.
While there are candidates running for the spokesperson position, such as members of parliament Daniel Helldén and Linus Lakso, Henrik Ölvebo (a municipal councilor in Gällivare), and Pär Holmgren, their seriousness is called into question. Pär Holmgren, in particular, shouldn’t be considered a serious candidate, as he intends to remain in the European Parliament in Brussels. This opens the door to a power play within the party.
Märta Stenevi has recognized a unique opportunity to consolidate her power. With Holmgren in Brussels, she could effectively run the party in Sweden and become the sole party leader in practice, regardless of whether the party decides to have one or two leaders. Her influence and power would increase significantly as a result.
It’s worth noting that Märta Stenevi’s position as spokesperson will be up for re-election at the party’s congress this autumn. While no counter-candidate has emerged yet, it’s possible that there are challengers to Stenevi who have chosen to remain unidentified. Additionally, it is possible for candidates to throw in their hat at the last moment, as has happened in the past.
The race for the Green Party’s mouthpiece is far from over. The final decision will be made in mid-November, and until then, anything can happen.