Malmö Spends Millions on Efforts Against Islamophobia and Afrophobia – Questioned by the Sweden Democrats

In Malmö, the Social Democratic-led administration has decided to continue allocating several million kronor to combat what they refer to as anti-Muslim and anti-Black racism. The Sweden Democrats question the priorities and voted against the decision.

In February 2024, Malmö city held a public consultation as part of the work to develop the municipality’s Plan Against Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Racism. Participants claimed that Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism are things they face in many parts of everyday life, such as in schools, the workplace, and in public environments.

The city then proceeded with an in-depth study through interviews with Malmö residents who reportedly have experience with Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism. The study was based on “an intersectional perspective.”

In the spring of 2025, Malmö chose to develop a new version of the plan to create a clearer structure for, among other things, goals, responsibility distribution, and plan follow-up. In September that same year, the city held another consultation with Malmö residents and civil society stakeholders.

25 million

This week, the city announced that the municipal executive board has adopted a revised plan for the work against Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism and has prepared a plan for addressing Afrophobia and anti-Black racism. In 2026, four million kronor will be allocated, and from 2027 to 2029, a further 21 million kronor will be added to the project. A significant part of the effort is directed at elementary schools to strengthen work for human rights and against racism among children and young people.

– The revision of the plan against anti-Muslim racism and the new plan against anti-Black racism make things more concrete. We are moving from words to action, as each committee and company now develops its own action plans for anti-racist work. This means that measures for a more inclusive and participatory Malmö are coming closer to Malmö residents. We want everyone in Malmö to feel at home here, and for children and young people to be able to freely dream about their future, without the limitations and fears of racism, says Amani Loubani (S), municipal commissioner responsible for democracy and human rights.

– Racism affects the everyday lives of Malmö’s residents – at school, at work, and in interactions with others. With these plans, we are taking a more comprehensive approach to counter anti-Muslim and anti-Black racism and strengthening the work citywide, especially in schools where many children and young people experience racism early. It is an important part of building a Malmö where racism does not limit people’s opportunities and hope for the future, says Stefana Hoti (MP).

– In diverse Malmö, we all live side by side, and no one’s background should ever limit their life chances. Our work against racism must therefore be both clear and long-term. Just as we have previously increased our efforts against antisemitism, this initiative also gives schools and organizations better tools to counter anti-Muslim and anti-Black racism and to strengthen children’s and young people’s hope for the future, says Roko Kursar (L), municipal commissioner and group leader on the municipal executive board.

Amani Loubani (S) with Märta Stenevi. Facsimile Facebook

Sweden Democrats Say No

SD Malmö questions the multimillion investment and voted against it.

– It is strange when the municipality has itself investigated anti-Muslim racism in Malmö schools and reports that it hardly occurs. On the other hand, a recent survey from the Forum for Living History shows a significant increase in threats and violence in schools and that it is specifically students with Swedish backgrounds, i.e., those born in Sweden with two Swedish-born parents, who now report the greatest increase in insecurity and exposure, says opposition councilor Magnus Olsson (SD).

Instead of singling out specific groups in this way, the Sweden Democrats would prefer that resources be spent on addressing racism and bullying in general and promoting human rights for everyone.

The report from the Forum for Living History shows that Muslims are the only youth group with reduced exposure to violence since 2013, while Swedes with Swedish backgrounds—particularly in schools in so-called vulnerable areas—are the group that has seen the highest increase in exposure.

– Despite this pattern, Malmö city chooses to invest several million kronor annually in work specifically targeting Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism. It is a strange priority. We Sweden Democrats see it as self-evident that work against racism should target all forms of racism, including that against people with Swedish roots, says Magnus Olsson.