Title: New Left Party Program Proposes More Flexible EU Relationship and Opposition to NATO Membership
The Left Party in Sweden is set to consider a new program proposal that outlines a more conditional and flexible approach towards the European Union (EU) and a clear opposition to NATO membership.
Jens Börjesson, who convenes the Left Party’s program commission, has put forward a proposal that seeks a renegotiation of Sweden’s membership agreement with the EU. The proposal, which will be up for decision at the party congress in May next year, aims to ensure that the EU does not limit Sweden’s ability to push through left-wing politics and stand up for democracy.
Börjesson emphasized that the goal is to test the EU in various ways if it attempts to limit Sweden’s sovereignty. The existing party program to work towards Sweden leaving the EU will be replaced, with the party focusing on renegotiating the terms of membership.
The proposal also suggests withdrawing the Swedish application for NATO membership and working towards a more defensive direction in defense collaborations. While the call for the dissolution of NATO has been removed from the existing program, the party remains firm in its stance to stay outside the military alliance.
Furthermore, the new program proposal softens the formulations about the abolition of capitalism but continues to emphasize working against capital and moving towards a fairer society. Goals of shortening working hours, achieving full employment, and increasing common ownership in the financial sector are highlighted in the proposal.
The ongoing work on the new party program has been influenced by recent global events, including Russia’s full-scale attack on Ukraine. Börjesson noted that the current international power dynamics have underscored the importance of Sweden being a clear voice for disarmament, peace, and international law.
The proposed changes in the Left Party’s program indicate a shift towards a more pragmatic and flexible approach in its stance towards EU membership and NATO. The program’s adoption at the party congress in May next year will determine how the party’s relationship with the EU and NATO will evolve in the coming years.