Sweden’s mainstream parties cravenly opened the door to anti-immigrant populists

The far-right has just won a place in Sweden’s ruling coalition, but had already made its presence felt, says Drude Dahlerup

Party leader of the Sweden Democrats Jimmie Akesson. The electoral success of the party (20.5% of the vote) will probably not give it a seat in the new government. Photo: Stefan Jerrevång/TT News Agency

Welcome to Europe, Sweden! A sad welcome. Following last week’s election results, the Sweden Democrats, an anti-immigration, right-wing populist party, will for the first time be included in the “blue” majority coalition, which won a narrow victory over the Social Democrats and its allies in the “red” block.

Magdalena Andersson, Sweden’s first female prime minister, lasted only a year in the post, even if her Social Democratic party increased its share of the vote by 2% to 30%.