Sweden Democrat MP resigns after sexual-misconduct allegations
Sweden Democrat MP Rasmus Giertz is resigning his seat in parliament after allegations of sexual misconduct, while rejecting the portrayal of his behaviour.
Giertz confirmed his departure in a written comment to TV4. He said he had reached the decision after discussions with the party’s parliamentary leadership and did not want the controversy to burden his colleagues.
The resignation follows a Dagens Nyheter investigation in which several young women accused him of sexual misconduct. Giertz disputes the account, saying it rests in large part on rumours and falsehoods. He also says his response was not fairly presented and that he intends to complain to the media ombudsman.
The party’s group leader, Matheus Enholm, told TV4 that the Sweden Democrats took the reporting seriously. He said Giertz had rejected much of the information in discussions with the leadership, but both sides agreed he should leave parliament.
Giertz has not been convicted over any of the events described in the investigation, according to TV4. His decision to resign is a confirmed political development; the allegations remain contested.
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