SD holds firm on NO to mosque – Green Party fights for construction

After more than 30 years in Linköping, the Islamic Association may be forced to continue operating in a much smaller venue than the association says it needs. A political decision is now approaching regarding the planned mosque in Lambohov, and the parties remain far apart.

The Islamic Association in Linköping, IFIL, has had its current premises in Hejdegården since 1992. On Fridays, the space is not sufficient for the approximately 700–800 people who wish to attend prayers. As a result, some are referred to Wahlbeckshallen in Ryd, which the association rents every week.

The plans for a larger mosque have existed for decades. The municipality has allocated a plot of about 3,000 square meters in Kåparp in Lambohov, and a zoning proposal has been drawn up for a mosque of around 1,500 square meters.

However, the process has been stalled. The Moderate Party has announced that it wants to halt the mosque construction, citing, among other things, uncertainty about the funding and the municipality’s limited ability to control the ultimate source of building funds.

The Sweden Democrats have the same position and have been clear that the opposition is not solely about foreign funding. SD’s lead candidate, Chris Dahlqvist, also points to what he describes as issues of gender equality within Islam.

– We have been consistent in our no all along, says Dahlqvist to Corren.

At the same time, SD does not believe it is their job to examine the foundation’s finances themselves. Instead, the party argues that it is up to the municipality to ensure that politicians have sufficient background material to make a decision.

S and Greens say yes

Kristina Edlund (S), the leading representative in the municipal government, makes a different assessment. The Social Democrats also say they do not accept foreign funding from undemocratic actors but argue that currently there is no evidence that such funding occurs in the project in question. Therefore, S maintains that they will vote in favor of the zoning plan.

The Green Party’s support is even more explicit. The Greens’ top representative, Maria Moraes, says the checks already carried out are sufficient and warns against politicians blocking the mosque plans.

– I think it is embarrassing. In Norrköping, they are building their fifth mosque right now while our Muslims gather in basements and storage halls, she says.

Decision expected in the autumn

The Centre Party, Left Party and Linköpingslistan likewise say they see no reason to stop the zoning plan. The Christian Democrats, on the other hand, side with the no-camp together with SD and the Moderates.

The issue is expected to be decided politically during the autumn. The Moderates have already stated that after the election, they will do what they can to stop the plans. At the same time, IFIL continues to maintain that the mosque can be funded with donations from Sweden and Europe and that no foreign financer will be allowed influence over operations.

Journalist Christian Peterson has visited Linköping: