Title: Swedish Prime Minister Faces Pressure and Cracks Emerge Over Islam Tweets
Subtitle: Change in domestic and foreign policy interests tests government unity
(Stockholm) – Chang Frick, editor-in-chief of the right-wing populist online newspaper Nyheter Idag, has claimed that recent tweets by Richard Jomshof, a member of the nationalist Sweden Democrats party (SD), criticizing Islam, are squeezing Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson between opposing domestic and foreign interests.
According to Frick, Kristersson is under pressure from opposition parties, internal dissent within the Liberals, and external pressure from Iran and Turkey. Additionally, the SD party, to which Jomshof belongs, is unlikely to abandon him, further complicating the Prime Minister’s situation.
Frick argues that this controversy surrounding the Koran exposes divides within Kristersson’s government. He claims that such a prominent crack in the government’s unity could pose challenges ahead, depending on the path the Moderates choose to take. Referencing the government’s analysis of ordinances related to the police’s ability to stop permits for burning the Koran, Frick emphasizes that the Moderates’ response to the issue is particularly critical.
In the Tidö Agreement, a cooperative pact, the participating parties are expected to maintain a positive atmosphere even in the face of disagreements. Frick expresses surprise that the parties have managed to maintain good relations for this long, suggesting tensions have more recently come to the surface.
Moreover, Frick believes that dealing with the issue of Koran burnings is particularly challenging for the Moderates, whereas it aligns with the core agenda of the Sweden Democrats regarding criticism of Islam. He argues that the Moderates prefer to avoid the issue since culture has not been their priority in the past. On the other hand, the SD party feels more comfortable addressing this matter, implying a potential ideological misalignment between the two parties.
Jomshof has faced criticism for straining Sweden’s already tense relationship with several Muslim-majority countries. In particular, Swedish Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson accuses Jomshof of engaging in “direct polemics” with the Muslim world. Carl B. Hamilton, a member of the Liberal Party, calls for Jomshof’s resignation as the chairman of the justice committee. Several other government party members of the parliament also criticize Jomshof’s statements.
Remarkably, Prime Minister Kristersson has refrained from commenting on the issue so far.
Frick, however, sees this as a sign of weakness. He suggests that taking a firm stance could be beneficial, describing Kristersson as someone who shies away from conflict. Frick argues that demonstrating strength and presenting a clear opinion can be advantageous in negotiations with countries like Turkey and Iran, setting boundaries for their actions.
Frick himself refrains from labeling Jomshof’s tweets as Islamophobic, as he believes the term “phobia” implies an unwarranted fear. Instead, he characterizes Jomshof’s expression as “a loathing of Islam to the highest degree.” Frick suggests that such sentiments are not exclusive to the Sweden Democrats and expresses differing views from Jomshof on religion and Islam.
Interestingly, Frick has actively influenced public opinion by organizing actions against Turkey. He facilitated a demonstration permit for right-wing extremist Rasmus Paludan, who burned a Koran outside the Turkish embassy earlier this year.
Excerpts of the article have been sent to Richard Jomshof and Jimmie Åkesson for their response.
(Sources: Nyheter Idag, Expressen)