Liberal party leadership has sent an internal memo to district chairs urging elected officials not to voice divergent views or criticism of the new government line publicly or in media. The document, titled 'Forward-looking unity after internal conflict', states such criticism is only allowed internally. Party secretary Fredrik Brange defends it by referring to the party's fresh start.
The Liberal party leadership has distributed an internal document to district chairs titled 'Forward-looking unity after internal conflict'. The memo, obtained by Aftonbladet and Ekot, instructs elected officials and candidates not to actively oppose the new party line on the government issue.
It states: 'Divergent views on the new line in the government issue or criticism towards the process or party leadership are NOT given in external contexts or in media'. Such views are welcome in internal settings, but public criticism risks damaging the party, according to the document. It warns that it creates an image of the party caring more about infighting than societal issues.
The background is the party's U-turn on allowing the Sweden Democrats into a future government. At an extraordinary congress about a week ago, a narrow majority voted for continued confidence in party leader Simona Mohamsson and the new line, amid internal protests and resignations.
Party secretary Fredrik Brange comments in writing to Ekot: 'For most organisations, it is obvious to have high ceilings internally and clear unity externally. That is what applies in the Liberals going forward'. An anonymous Liberal politician calls the action unique and desperate.
