Ulf Kristersson Addresses Flare-Up of Anti-Semitism in Sweden During Riksdag Debate
During a leader’s debate on the EU in the Riksdag, Ulf Kristersson addressed the recent flare-up of anti-Semitism in Sweden. He emphasized that while different opinions regarding conflicts in the Middle East are a part of democracy, actions and demonstrations against the war turning into hatred and threats against Jews are completely unacceptable.
Kristersson also quoted French President Emmanuel Macron, stating that anti-Semitism must be brought to court and behind bars, with no tolerance for the intolerant. Additionally, he expressed the government’s support for the Jewish minority in Sweden.
In addition to addressing anti-Semitism, Kristersson highlighted the government’s stance on the EU’s enlargement, expressing a desire to see Ukraine as a new member state. He also called for sharper EU-level cooperation against cross-border crime, particularly to combat the influx of narcotics through EU countries’ ports.
Magdalena Andersson, the leader of the Social Democrats party, stressed the importance of European unity during times of global crisis. She condemned Hamas’s attack on Israel and demanded that international law be followed, standing against all forms of anti-Semitism, racism, and hatred of Muslims. Andersson also critiqued the government’s stance on EU policy, questioning the Sweden Democrats’ skeptical attitude towards EU cooperation.
Martin Kinnunen, representing the Sweden Democrats in the debate, focused on the EU’s climate policy, specifically criticizing a proposal from the European Commission to make housing more energy efficient, which he deemed unreasonable for Sweden. Left-wing leader Nooshi Dadgostar expressed her incomprehension that Sweden could not stand behind a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas.
The debate brought to light the diverse views on EU policies and the need for unity in addressing global issues, including anti-Semitism and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.