Donald Trump is not a popular figure among Swedish leaders, and even Swedish right-wing politicians have chosen to clearly support Joe Biden and the Democrats.
SD leader Jimmie Åkesson is not a supporter of Donald Trump either, but still emphasizes that he is a “breath of fresh air” who “appeals to the base” and that his “opposition to the woke movement” is positive.
When Biden was elected president in 2020, Ulf Kristersson (M) declared that he “felt hopeful about this announcement” and warm congratulations were quickly received from several Swedish party leaders. Jimmie Åkesson was one of the few who said he did not want to choose between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, but that neither of them would make an ideal president.
– Joe Biden isn’t very presidential, and neither is Donald Trump, he reiterated in a recent interview with taxpayer-funded Swedish state channel SVT.
– I would have preferred a more balanced candidate for the Republican Party. But that doesn’t seem to be the case, he continued.
Prefers the Republicans
In an interview with Sydsvenskan, Åkesson elaborated on his view of Trump, saying that one of his advantages is that, unlike Biden, “he appeals to the depth of the people.
– He creates debate. I think his opposition to the woke movement is positive. In that way, Trump is a breath of fresh air.
However, the SD leader believes that Trump is “unpredictable” in a different way than Biden and would rather not choose between the candidates – even though he is ideologically closer to the Republicans.
Prime minister in 2026?
Otherwise, Åkesson says he is ready to “take on the responsibility” of Swedish prime minister after the 2026 elections, and that being a mere support party for the center-right government is no longer an option.
– For me it is not about the hat. It’s about maximizing our political influence, and the best way to do that is to lead the government.
The Sweden Democrats won more votes than the Moderates in the last election, and have had more voter support than Kristersson’s party in most opinion polls since then.
