Sweden’s Democrats Launch Swexit Campaign Ahead of EU Elections

Sweden‘s political landscape is stirred as Jimmie Akesson and Charlie Weimers of the Sweden Democrats announce their campaign for a potential Swexit, urging to remove Sweden’s mention of EU accession from the Constitution.

The Sweden Democrats, led by Akesson, are positioning themselves strategically in the lead-up to the European elections in June 2024. They aim to influence Swedish government’s European policies, particularly in anticipation of institutional reforms within the EU.

Major EU nations like France and Germany advocate for changes in decision-making processes, challenging the unanimity rule. The Sweden Democrats were prompted by Guy Verhofstadt’s report on EU reforms which they find unacceptable, foreseeing more centralization of power and taxation at the European level.

The EU’s recovery fund of 750 billion euros poses financial challenges for member states, with Sweden cautious about further integration and fiscal commitments. Akesson and Weimers propose leveraging the Swexit threat to negotiate desired outcomes with EU partners.

The Sweden Democrats demand a referendum requirement for any new EU competences transfers or financial contributions from Sweden. They advocate for revising the Swedish Constitution to revoke the country’s EU accession clause, signaling their resolute stance on EU matters.