Åkesson's Statement on Immigration Policy: “There’s Not Much More to Do”

Ahead of this autumn’s election, Sweden Democrats party leader Jimmie Åkesson says there’s not much more to be done in the area of immigration during the next parliamentary term. According to him, SD voters should not expect any further tightening in the form of stricter laws.

This was revealed in SVT’s election program Ask the Party Leader Everything!, where the leaders of the parliamentary parties answer viewers’ questions. On May 5th, Jimmie Åkesson (SD) participated.

The questions during the broadcast ranged widely – from love tips and his views on U.S. President Donald Trump and also Alternative for Sweden (AFS), to topics like his signature dish, what he does in his free time, if he uses a “lady’s racket” when playing rounders, and what he drinks on election night.

So the conversation shifted between personal and lighter questions. But, of course, there were also political topics, where the SD leader, among other things, stated that one area where they are often misunderstood is migration policy.

“There’s Not Much to Do”

He was then asked about the Tidö government’s migration policy and whether voters could expect a stricter migration policy in the next parliamentary term.

– Will SD want to introduce even stricter laws regarding immigration if you win in September? a viewer asked Åkesson.

– No, now we’re getting most things in place here. There’s a little left to adjust regarding family reunification, we think, said the SD leader.

Streets in Malmö. Photo: Facsimile Youtube / Facebook

Åkesson continued:

– I can imagine that’s possibly it. Where you could raise the maintenance requirement for those acting as a sponsor in Sweden. That you could have to show very clearly that you can support those you bring here. But otherwise, there’s not much else to be done in this area.

– It’s more about how we handle integration or the problems that have arisen with this large-scale immigration. That is probably the next big issue.

What Is Swedishness?

Åkesson was also asked how he defines “Swedishness.” But it was something he did not want to do, and he kept it general.

– That’s really not a politician’s job to define, actually. But, you see, Swedishness is what we have created and refined in Sweden through generations and centuries, and it’s expressed in that we have a language, we have traditions, we have certain laws unique to us, we have a perception of what is right and wrong, said the SD leader, continuing:

– We have a special connection to nature that is quite unique in the world, we have a way of relating to gender equality and relations between men and women, we have a way of relating between adults and children. Taken together, all that forms the core of everything Swedish.

– But you don’t want to define it? host Fouad followed up with the SD leader.

– No, I don’t want to define it. But let’s say that was a draft of a definition, Åkesson replied.

Anyone who wants to see the full Q&A with the SD leader can find the episode HERE.