On Wednesday, it was the Sweden Democrats’ party leader Jimmie Åkesson’s turn to take the stage at Almedalen to present the party’s policies ahead of this autumn’s election. In an election year where the battle for voters is intensifying, the SD leader used his speech to highlight what he described as a successful term in office, while also launching strong attacks against the opposition and presenting several new campaign promises.
Åkesson devoted large parts of his speech to emphasizing the results of the policies that the Sweden Democrats have pursued during the term. He pointed in particular to developments in crime fighting, migration, and the economy.
– In May, not a single fatal shooting occurred in Sweden, said Åkesson, describing this development as proof that tougher criminal policies are delivering results.
Highlighted the economy
The party leader also highlighted the government’s economic policies, pointing to lower taxes, cheaper fuel prices, and reduced inflation.
– Overall, an average family with children in Sweden has had more than five thousand kronor extra in their pockets every month thanks to the policies we have pursued over these years, he said.
Åkesson argued that Sweden has moved from economic problems to increased growth and stronger confidence in the Swedish economy.
New promise of a “citizen veto”
One of the clearest future proposals in the speech concerned housing policy. Åkesson directed strong criticism at the Social Democrats’ integration policy and promised that after the election, the Sweden Democrats will work for what he called a citizen veto.
– If the neighbors in a residential area do not want apartment buildings to be constructed, then it will not be allowed to build apartment buildings in that area, he said.
The proposal was presented as a way to stop what Åkesson called the “forced mixing” of residential areas.
Continued focus on migration
Migration was a recurring theme in the address. Åkesson said that “the mass immigration ideology is in retreat” and promised that the Sweden Democrats will stick to a policy characterized by demands, responsibilities, and obligations for anyone wishing to take part in Swedish welfare systems.
He also highlighted stricter requirements for Swedish citizenship as an important reform during the term.
Global situation and Islamism
Åkesson also addressed the international security situation, expressing support for Ukraine as well as for Israel’s right to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed groups.
– Islamists must be fought, whether they appear in the Middle East or on Swedish streets and squares, he said.
At the same time, he directed strong criticism at the Left Party and the Social Democrats, whom he accused of being too lenient toward Islamist forces.
“Safe, free, Swedish in Sweden”
The overarching message of the speech was summarized in the slogan “Safe, free, Swedish in Sweden.” Åkesson returned several times to questions of national identity, Swedish values, and the importance of security.
– Without security, we have no freedom, he said.
Ahead of the September 13 election, the SD leader called on voters to give the party continued confidence so that, as he put it, “we can continue to make Sweden Sweden again.”
Watch the full speech below.