Åkesson says he wants to be prime minister in 2030

Jimmie Åkesson says he wants to become Sweden’s prime minister in 2030 or later, while backing Moderate leader Ulf Kristersson for another term after September’s election.

“There will be more elections, and I am aiming for the post of prime minister in 2030 or later,” the Sweden Democrats leader told AFP in an interview reported by several Swedish outlets on Wednesday.

Åkesson said the four Tidö parties agree that Kristersson is their candidate for prime minister in 2026. In return, he said, SD expects major influence and significant ministerial posts. Kristersson said in April that SD ministers would be a natural part of a new right-wing government.

Åkesson is a longstanding immigration critic. SD’s 2026 platform calls for asylum rules at the EU minimum level, tougher family-reunification and citizenship requirements, voluntary return, and deportation of undocumented and criminal immigrants.

The 2030 statement is an ambition, not a coalition agreement. Under Sweden’s parliamentary rules, a prime ministerial candidate takes office if fewer than 175 MPs vote no. Åkesson would therefore need enough parties to support or tolerate him after that election.

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