In this evening's first party leader debate in parliament for the 2026 election year, jabs were exchanged between prime ministerial candidates and Ebba Busch (KD) suddenly danced at the podium. The debate was broadcast for the first time in the evening on SVT and focused on crime, economy, and defense. Afterwards, discussions continued in Aktuellt with messages about strong governments and support for ordinary households.
Wednesday's party leader debate in the Riksdag marked the start of the 2026 election year and took place for the first time in the evening, broadcast on SVT from 6 PM. The debate began with speeches from the party leaders, followed by exchanges where tensions rose.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) highlighted improvements in Sweden: "It is brightening in Sweden", he said about progress against gang crime and an upward economy where companies are investing again and exports are increasing. He rejected Magdalena Andersson's (S) proposals for broad agreements on defense financing, energy, and a ten-year pact against gang crime, however. "Thanks, but no thanks", Kristersson replied to her question on collaboration, suggesting instead that S could become a supporting party. Andersson called it "weak leadership" and stuck to the need for talks for Sweden's sake.
Ebba Busch (KD) accused Andersson of joking about healthcare: "I am quite surprised". During her speech, she was interrupted by music from an MP's phone, leading to a spontaneous "anti-bureaucracy dance": "It is worth a little anti-bureaucracy dance", she said as Kristersson laughed. The music originated from Skåne Moderate Lars-Ingvar Ljungman's mobile, which he had forgotten to silence.
Jimmie Åkesson (SD) dissed the Liberals' Simona Mohamsson on EU issues and responded in the subsequent Aktuellt to Andersson's labeling of him as a prime ministerial candidate: "We have managed to unite on the government question once and I am convinced we will succeed again". He emphasized the need for four more years to complete policies on crime and migration.
Andersson focused on "ordinary households" with proposals like increased child benefits and abolished sick leave deduction, while criticizing the government for favoring high-income earners. Nooshi Dadgostar (V) proposed a billionaire tax, and the opposition pointed to growing inequalities and lacking climate ambitions.
The debate reflected the polarization ahead of the election, with the government bloc emphasizing unity and the opposition calling for broader gatherings.
