The Green Party Elects Daniel Helldén as New Spokesperson
The Green Party has announced the selection of Daniel Helldén as their new spokesperson, following the departure of Per Bolund. The decision was made after a closely contested vote at the congressional meeting, where Helldén narrowly defeated challenger Magnus P Wåhlin by a vote of 131 to 130.
In his acceptance speech, Helldén expressed gratitude for the opportunity and praised the democratic process within the party. “A fantastic big thank you, Congress. What a party it is. Thank you all candidates, amazingly wonderful process we have had. Special big thanks to Magnus,” said Helldén.
Helldén, who has served as a Member of Parliament since the 2022 election, emphasized that the party’s policy direction will remain unchanged. “We are a green party. We will continue with the policy we have, I have long talked about the fact that there are certain things that need to be improved in communication. This does not mean that our policy will change,” he stated at a press conference.
Märta Stenevi, the incumbent spokesperson, also retained her position after gaining continued trust from the party. “We are a party that can have this type of process. With many participants, many hearings. Where we can leave strengthened from a mouthpiece election. Many thanks to Daniel. Thank you Magnus for a fantastic candidacy. Now we have a lot of work ahead of us my friends. Now it’s moving forward,” said Stenevi.
However, reports of a conflict between Stenevi and Helldén have surfaced prior to the mouthpiece decision. It was rumored that Stenevi initially refused to participate in a press meeting where Helldén was present, an allegation she denied. The two, with differing views on the party’s direction, held discussions on a potential collaboration in the weeks leading up to the election.
“It is no secret that we had slightly different views on how the party should communicate politics and what focus we should have, these have been very important issues for us to talk about,” Stenevi told Aftonbladet/TT.
While Stenevi aims for a broadened party agenda, Helldén focuses on climate and environmental issues. “The Green Party has two mouthpieces and of course there will be discussions between us. I think that climate and environmental issues must have a decisive and prominent role at all times. We have to be the best in our field, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t talk about the other issues,” Helldén explained in an interview with the Alting.
The Green Party’s decision to elect Daniel Helldén as their new spokesperson highlights the internal discussions and differing perspectives within the party as they move forward with their policy goals.