Title: Climate Activists Escorted Out as Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson Faces Disruption at AW in Malmö
Published: 2023-09-27 23:06 | Updated: 00:01
Malmö, Sweden – Climate activists, including Tatjana Boric-Persson, a 41-year-old mother of young children, had to be escorted out by the police during an After Work (AW) event hosted by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson. The event, held at Scandic Triangeln in Malmö, invited the public to a question and answer session.
Boric-Persson expressed her frustration with the government’s climate policy and felt compelled to protest. “It is very nervous to ask a question in front of a prime minister and then start singing,” she said.
The AW event reached maximum capacity, with Kristersson addressing the difficult situation Sweden is currently experiencing. He referred to it as the country’s most challenging period since the crisis of the 90s, emphasizing that it will take time to restore stability. However, he expressed confidence that Sweden will turn the tide.
During the question and answer session, various concerns were raised. One woman questioned Kristersson about his handshake with Iranian leaders and whether Sweden would release life sentence prisoner Hamid Noury. Kristersson defended the importance of maintaining contacts with countries that hold different values from Sweden and mentioned the need to protect Swedish citizens.
When asked about Sweden’s NATO application, Kristersson expressed regret for not submitting it earlier. He firmly believes that Sweden will eventually join NATO and remains satisfied with the ongoing negotiations.
Another woman raised the issue of military patrols in vulnerable areas to combat criminal gangs. In response, Kristersson emphasized the military’s role in protecting Sweden’s borders, stating that deploying them within vulnerable areas is not relevant.
The disruption occurred approximately 15 minutes into the session when Elvin Landaeus Csizmadia, a member of the Take Back the Future climate movement, started speaking out loudly without being given the floor. Plainclothes police swiftly removed him from the premises. Csizmadia criticized those in power for ineffective climate policies and their ability to enjoy a peaceful AW while endangering young people’s futures.
Following the disturbance, several young climate activists protested by shouting and interrupting the event. Police intervened and escorted them out. After the situation calmed down, Tatjana Boric-Persson, who had raised her hand earlier, addressed the prime minister. She highlighted that the government’s active policies have led to increased emissions, referencing a report from the climate policy council. Boric-Persson then initiated a spontaneous song, joined by another woman before both were led away by security guards.
Expressing her discomfort with the situation, Boric-Persson, a member of the Rebellmammor group of mothers, stated, “It was so unpleasant. It is unpleasant to have to do this. You expose yourself to something abnormal. I should have been home and given my children dinner, but instead, I disturbed an AW.”
Aftonbladet has sought a comment from Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson regarding the incident.