Miljöpartiet's congress in Västerås has begun with debates on new taxes and changes to term limit rules. Grön ungdom proposes three new taxes to counter inequality, while the party board seeks to extend terms for experienced members. The congress gathers around 800 participants ahead of the 2026 election.
Miljöpartiet's congress in Västerås began on October 17, 2025, and runs over the weekend with around 800 participants. A key proposal from the youth wing Grön ungdom calls for three new taxes: a wealth tax on the richest, a land value tax on land value, and an inheritance and gift tax to even out economic differences between generations. The motion, titled "Das kapital," has been scaled down from an original seven demands.
Grön ungdom spokesperson Anton Bylin stresses that Sweden is Europe's most unequal country in terms of ownership: "Sverige är extremt – det är det mest ojämlika landet i Europa när det kommer till ägande." He believes the proposal could pass despite the party board's opposition, especially among participants from smaller towns. Bylin counters narratives that high taxes drive people away: "De rikaste sprider narrativ om att högre skatter skulle få folk att fly landet. Vi kan inte låta dem lura oss." He notes that the richest five percent own more than the remaining 95 percent combined.
Party spokesperson Daniel Helldén rejects the need: "Det som Grön Ungdom föreslår – det behövs inte i det här läget." He points to the party's shadow budget with increased capital taxation and emphasizes fair climate transition.
Another hot issue concerns term limits. Miljöpartiet's rules cap MPs at three terms, threatening positions for Annika Hirvonen and Janine Alm Ericson, who have served since 2014. The party board proposes four terms to preserve experience, according to party secretary Katrin Wissing: "Det handlar om att ta hand om den erfarenhet och kompetens som riksdagsledamöterna besitter."
Opposition is strong. Lidingö group leader Patrik Sandström warns of power cliques: "Risken är att det blir stagnation, samma personer och en klick av människor som har samma position 'däruppe' länge." The proposal currently lacks sufficient support, and Hirvonen and Ericson decline comment. The congress is also expected to discuss reduced working hours.