Ulf Kristersson Must Sharpen the Profile to Avoid Being Questioned as Government Leader
Ulf Kristersson, the leader of the Moderate Party (M) in Sweden, is facing a major challenge – he must sharpen his party’s profile and differentiate it from the Sweden Democrats (SD) to secure his position as a government leader. The SD, currently the largest party in the government base, holds a decisive influence over government policies.
The Moderates have found themselves in a difficult position as it is increasingly difficult to distinguish between where the Sweden Democrats end and where the Moderates begin. This ambiguity is detrimental to Kristersson’s political career and the party’s future prospects.
Currently, the government has a narrow base of support in the Riksdag, with the three-party coalition only enjoying the support of 29 percent of voters. However, with the collaboration of the Sweden Democrats, the government has a majority. This means that Jimmie Åkesson and the Sweden Democrats appear to be leading the government, rather than Kristersson and the Moderates.
One contributing factor to this situation is the Sweden Democrats’ leading role in matters related to law and order and migration – two policy areas that are considered crucial by both voters and the government. The Moderates have not only adopted several Sweden Democrats’ proposals, but also their explanation model for the extensive gang crime, attributing it to failed integration.
To avoid further decline in support and the risk of Jimmie Åkesson becoming the Prime Minister, Kristersson must ensure that the Moderates become larger than the Sweden Democrats in the next election. However, this will require the Moderates to clearly differentiate themselves from the Sweden Democrats and avoid becoming a copy of their policies.
One significant challenge in achieving this differentiation is the clarity of the Sweden Democrats’ messaging. Their website clearly outlines their policy positions and priorities, making it easier for voters to understand their stance. The Moderates must find a way to communicate their own identity and policy proposals effectively.
It is crucial for Kristersson and the Moderates to avoid being questioned as government leaders and to reclaim their position as a party capable of governing. Failing to do so could result in a severe identity crisis for the Moderates.
The election is still 34 months away, providing Kristersson with some time to reshape the party’s profile and regain support. However, the challenge ahead is significant, and the Moderates must work diligently to clearly differentiate themselves from the Sweden Democrats and regain voter confidence.
As the next election approaches, all eyes will be on Ulf Kristersson and the Moderates to see if they can successfully sharpen their profile and secure their position as a government-leading party.