Title: Moderate Party Faces Internal Struggle Over Climate Policy, Targeting Urban Voters
Published: 18.33 Updated: 18.36
The Moderate Party in Sweden is grappling with internal conflicts and criticisms over its climate policy, particularly its approach towards attracting urban voters. Christofer Fjellner, a prominent member of the party, has been entrusted with the challenging task of designing a new climate policy that will help regain support from voters in big cities.
However, internal sources have directed their dissatisfaction towards Fjellner and the party’s joint policy with Ulf Kristersson. One party insider described Fjellner as a “blind Stockholmer” who takes radical stances on climate issues, contributing to the growing tension between urban and rural members.
The Moderate Party lost urban voters in the 2022 election and has since made a significant effort to win them back. Climate issues have been a key focus of their strategy. Fjellner, hailing from Stockholm, has been leading the party’s endeavors to reconfigure its politics with regards to the environment.
Fjellner’s previous involvement in shaping the party’s wind power policy faced strong opposition from fellow party members outside the capital. Despite the formulation of new policies, criticism persists, pointing to a lingering rift within the party.
One internal source emphasized that Fjellner being at the forefront of the wind power debate due to his Stockholm background only reinforces the divisive perception between urban and rural areas. The narrative of Fjellner being a radical Stockholmer on climate issues has negatively impacted the party’s credibility on this matter.
Party leader Ulf Kristersson has also contributed to the climate debate, particularly from an urban perspective. In an interview, he suggested imposing limits on motoring in big cities. However, some party members view this as a “test balloon” intended to gauge public reaction.
The issue of fossil-powered cars within Stockholm has become crucial, with the government aiming to ban petrol and diesel cars from certain city blocks starting in 2025. In response, Fjellner proposed a goal of emission-free cars throughout the city by 2030, furthering the notion that Kristersson’s stance was pursued. However, critics within the party dismissed this as an attempt to soften Kristersson’s position.
Amidst the internal strife, Aftonbladet attempted to interview Fjellner, but the party’s leadership declined the request. In a text message, Fjellner emphasized his support for Stockholm and denied any conflict between the city and rural areas within the Moderate Party, asserting that what is good for Stockholm is ultimately good for Sweden as a whole.
As the Moderate Party faces challenges in reconciling their climate policies and attracting urban voters, these internal divisions may impact their ability to effectively address the issue and regain support in future elections.