Title: Moderates Party Meeting in Umeå: Setting Goals for Future Election Victory
Date: [Date]
Around 200 representatives from all over the country, including party board members and ministers, have gathered in Umeå for the Moderates’ party meeting. The meeting, which will last for four days, aims to discuss and decide on moderate politics moving forward.
The Moderates (M) last held a party meeting as the governing party in 2011. However, despite winning government power in 2022, there is a sense of disappointment among party members. M became only the third largest party and faced a setback in the big cities.
To address this, the party board has set several goals for the next election. These include retaining government power, ruling in more regions, and increasing the number of people living in municipalities governed by the Moderates.
“We have to win even the bigger cities in a completely different way than now,” says Enström, a party representative. He adds, “In the long run, we want to become the largest party.”
During the general meeting, the party board aims to lay the foundation for election victory in 2026. They plan to broaden the party’s image by focusing on issues such as preventive efforts against crime, school, welfare, and the climate. In recent years, the party has primarily focused on “hard” issues like justice and migration policy, which may have alienated some metropolitan voters, particularly well-educated women.
Another issue that may have impacted the Moderates’ results is their collaboration with the Sweden Democrats (SD). Some big-city voters may have been put off by harsh statements made by SD members on social media. However, the party board acknowledges the sensitivity surrounding this issue since M’s government power relies on SD’s support.
At the party meeting, the party board will address several proposals, including green conversion and preventive measures against crime. These proposals are expected to spark open debate, unless compromises are reached behind closed doors.
One proposal, concerning the expansion of wind power, involves forcing municipalities to enter any vetoes earlier in the process. This has raised concerns among some party members, who believe that projects may change during the journey, making it difficult to stop later.
The party board’s stance on the multiple-child supplement in the child support system may also face resistance. While M is pushing to scrap the supplement after the third child, some forces within the party advocate for its complete elimination.
Lowering taxes, which is traditionally a key aspect of the Moderates’ platform, has been challenging due to recession and inflation. Nonetheless, there is pressure from moderates in big cities to lower the capital gains tax on the sale of housing.
Lastly, there is a debate regarding allowing municipalities to hire law enforcement officers. More party districts are backing this proposal, driven by the frustration felt in smaller towns where there is a desire for increased police presence.
The party board remains cautious about revealing their stance on these issues but acknowledges the frustration that exists regarding certain topics.
The Moderates’ party meeting in Umeå aims to shape the party’s future direction and lay the groundwork for future election victories. By addressing concerns and broadening their political agenda, the Moderates hope to regain support among urban voters while maintaining their existing voter base.