Åkesson accuses opposition parties of mobilising “Islamist voters”

Jimmie Åkesson accused the Social Democrats and Left Party of mobilising “Islamist voters” on Friday as he addressed the election defeat of the right-wing bloc.

Speaking at a press conference in parliament, the Sweden Democrats leader claimed the two parties had attracted voters who previously supported other parties, according to SVT’s live report. He also suggested some SD supporters had switched to parties outside parliament.

Åkesson offered a separate explanation for SD’s own decline: its cooperation with the government. The party has commissioned the think tank Oikos to analyse the loss of support, Sveriges Radio reported.

The accusation follows a dispute during the 11 September debate, when Åkesson said Muslim immigration could determine the election. After that debate, Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson accused his party of stirring hostility towards people because of their faith.

The latest remarks came a day after Ulf Kristersson submitted his resignation following the preliminary election result. The formal final count was still being verified.

Åkesson said SD needed to examine where its voters had gone. Asked about his future at Friday’s press conference, he said he would not resign.

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