The conflict between the political independent Elsa Widding and Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Åkesson has intensified after a parliamentary vote. Since Widding went against the government’s line, she has been accused of cooperating with the opposition. At the same time, Widding strikes back, claiming it is unreasonable to be subjected to hate and threats simply because she doesn’t follow the party that once got her into parliament.
The background is a vote where Widding chose not to support the Tidö coalition’s proposal for stricter citizenship requirements. In connection with this, Åkesson hinted that she might have been influenced by the opposition, something that has provoked strong reactions.
Widding herself describes the accusations as baseless. According to her, there was no organized influence from the opposition parties before the decision. However, she claims to have been repeatedly pressured by her former party.
READ ALSO: SD defectors betrayed their former party – tried to stop stricter citizenship requirements
“It’s completely absurd. He knows himself that he’s lying so the smoke comes out of his ears,” Widding told Aftonbladet.
She states that representatives from the Sweden Democrats contacted her several times in the days leading up to the vote and tried to get her to change her mind. The contacts reportedly continued right up until the voting itself.
The decision to vote no, according to Widding, was based on principle. She refers, among other things, to legal certainty and the importance that regulations are predictable and clear for those affected.
The public criticism has, according to Widding, had consequences. She describes a situation where statements about her betrayal have generated hate and threats. She does not want to elaborate on the exact extent, but describes the situation as serious.
“Now Åkesson is spreading rumors that I’ve been bribed. I actually voted with them too in other votes, does that mean they bribed me?” Widding told Aftonbladet, and continues.
“It’s all so absurd, and it has resulted in an extremely intense campaign of hate and threats.”
The debate has also featured contacts with Green Party group leader Annika Hirvonen. Widding confirms that she had a brief dialogue with the Green leader before the vote, but emphasizes that the conversation was limited and lacked any attempt at influence.
However, according to Annika Hirvonen (Green Party), it was already “huge” that she had managed to get SD independents Elsa Widding and Katja Nyberg on board, and she counted her victory beforehand.
“It’s absolutely huge,” boasted the Green Party leader in an interview with ETC before the vote had even taken place.
Elsa Widding was unable to answer in her interview with Aftonbladet whether she will vote against the Tidö government again.
SEE VIDEO: Here Elsa Widding is grilled after the SD betrayal