Liberal MP Carl B Hamilton Resigns from Parliament Over Controversial Statements about SD
Stockholm, Sweden – Liberal Member of Parliament Carl B Hamilton has announced his resignation from Parliament following his controversial statements regarding the limits of the Liberals’ support for the far-right Swedish Democrats (SD). In an interview with TV4, Hamilton sparked outrage by suggesting that the party’s support for SD would reach its limit if they started making anti-Semitic remarks.
“I think the limit is reached if they were to start speaking in the same way about Jews, and it is not impossible,” Hamilton stated, prompting widespread criticism. The remarks have ignited a public outcry, with many accusing Hamilton of downplaying the seriousness of SD’s controversial rhetoric.
In response to the backlash, Hamilton has tendered his resignation. “Today I have requested to be dismissed from my position as a member of Sweden’s Riksdag. It has been fantastically fun and responsible to have served as an elected representative for over 30 years, handled the 90s crisis as State Secretary, and paved the way for Sweden to be a member of the European Union today,” Hamilton said, according to TT.
Hamilton’s departure leaves a vacant seat in Sweden’s Riksdag, which will be filled by the next candidate on the Liberals’ Stockholm list. The first in line is the party’s EU parliamentarian, Karin Karlsbro. Following her is Martin Melin, a police officer who has previously served as a replacement for Joar Forssell in the Riksdag.
“I would step in here again on Monday if someone asked me to,” Melin stated in May, expressing his willingness to take up the position if called upon. However, it remains to be seen who will ultimately fill Hamilton’s seat.
In light of these developments, media outlets, including Altinget and The Alting, have reached out to the Liberals for comment. However, the party has declined to provide any statements regarding the matter. The Altinget is also seeking a response from Karin Karlsbro.
The departure of Carl B Hamilton marks the end of an era for the Liberal Party, as they bid farewell to a long-serving member with a significant political track record. As the search for his replacement continues, all eyes are on the party leadership to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the party’s stance in Parliament.