An investigation into representatives of the Left Party is triggering strong political reactions. Several government officials describe the findings as deeply concerning, claiming that the revelations point to a recurring problem of antisemitism and glorification of terror within the party.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (Moderate Party) has previously reprimanded the Left Party following investigations, stating that the party should appoint a truth commission to get to the bottom of the problems. He has also accused the party leadership of allowing a culture of terror glorification and antisemitism to develop over a long period without intervening forcefully enough.

Expressen’s investigation began earlier this year when the newspaper identified a large number of Left Party candidates who, among other things, expressed support for the terror groups Hamas and Hezbollah, denied or downplayed the Holocaust, and spread antisemitic messages on social media.

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After these revelations, around twenty candidates were forced to step down or were removed from the party’s electoral lists.

The investigation has now continued with new information about additional representatives. An MP from the Left Party has come under scrutiny for sending a letter of support to a Palestinian prisoner sentenced to life in Israel for ordering several terror bombings.

18 Life Sentences

It is Ilona Szatmári Waldau (Left Party) who, in an open letter published on social media last year, addressed Ahmad al-Moghrabi, who is serving 18 life sentences in an Israeli prison. The letter states, among other things, that he is not forgotten, that the Left Party will continue to “bring your voice into our political work,” and that “your fight is also our fight.”

Ahmad al-Moghrabi was arrested in 2002 when he was a local leader for al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, Fatah’s armed wing, classified as a terror organization. He was convicted for organizing attacks in some of the deadliest terror acts of the second Intifada. 

The Left Party’s party secretary has claimed that the fact-checking was partially flawed, while the party has deleted several previously published posts and letters related to Palestinian prisoners.

Reactions

One of those who reacted is Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (Moderate Party):

Another is Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin (Moderate Party):

Speaking to the newspaper, Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson says she believes it is “fundamental and incredibly important that action is taken quickly and forcefully.” When asked whether she believes the Left Party has done so in previous cases, Andersson replies:

– Yes, my impression is that clear action has been taken in previous revelations.

Recurring Controversies in the Left Party

In recent years, several local and regional representatives have had to relinquish their positions after sharing antisemitic posts, expressing support for Hamas or Hezbollah, or sharing posts that praised armed struggle against Israel.

The party leadership has in several cases distanced itself from these statements and expelled or removed the individuals involved, but similar cases occur at regular intervals.

The debate has also intensified after Hamas’s massacre against Israel on October 7, 2023. Since then, several Left Party members have been criticized for statements or posts seen as downplaying the attacks or expressing support for people linked to terrorist organizations.

Several of these cases have led to internal disciplinary measures or defections, while opponents argue the problems are more widespread than individual actions.

Left Party leader Nooshi Dadgostar has previously stated that the party takes action when such issues arise, and that the statements in question are not compatible with the party’s values. Still, the opposition and government parties continue to point to the revelations to question the Left Party’s credibility ahead of the election campaign.

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