Sweden’s general election on Sunday is poised to determine whether the centre-left opposition can defeat the centre-right ruling coalition, which has been supported by the far-right Sweden Democrats. Polls indicate a narrow lead for the opposition, though recent surveys have shown the gap narrowing slightly. For the first time, the ruling coalition has indicated it would offer ministerial positions to the Sweden Democrats if reelected.
Muslim communities and immigrant advocacy groups have mobilized in response to what they describe as a rightward shift in Swedish politics over the past four years. Kashif Virk, a Swedish-born imam, has continued his Ask-a-Muslim campaign, which invites public conversations about Islam at community gathering places. The initiative, conceived in 2017, has reached more than 150 locations with volunteers from the Ahmadi Muslim community. Advocates note that the Sweden Democrats have used their political leverage to drive policies on migration and crime, framing rhetoric that links immigrants and Muslims to broader societal problems.
Immigrants and minorities have reported a shift in Sweden’s social climate. A nurse originally from Lebanon described feeling targeted by political discourse, while a Kenyan national indicated he is considering establishing a financial backup plan in case he needs to leave the country. Refugees Welcome Stockholm, an organization that gained prominence in 2015 for welcoming Syrian and Afghan asylum seekers, has reported declining funding and influence as immigration policy has tightened dramatically—with refugee quotas reduced from 5,000 to 900 annually and new provisions allowing residency permit revocation based on undefined criteria.
Those working on integration and inclusion efforts express concern that Sweden’s policy direction may not reverse regardless of the election outcome. Activists describe a political environment where anti-Islam and anti-immigration rhetoric have become mainstream across the political spectrum, suggesting lasting changes to Swedish society and public discourse.
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