Liberals reject SD ministers in government
The Liberals have unanimously decided not to support a centre-right government with Sweden Democrats in ministerial posts. The decision shakes the Tidö cooperation and sparks irritation among Moderates and SD. A political scientist warns it lacks realism in the current political landscape.
On October 10, 2025, Liberal Party leader Simona Mohamsson presented a proposal to the party board, which was unanimously adopted. The party wants a centre-right government led by the Moderates, but with the Sweden Democrats outside the government and without ministerial posts. Mohamsson stands firm on this, despite the ongoing Tidö cooperation.
Reactions have been sharp. Irritation is spreading within the Moderates and SD. A Moderate source says: 'This means we will never want to talk about the government question.' The decision is described as 'desperately needed' and 'incomprehensible' by the cooperation parties, questioning the future of the Tidö agreement.
Political scientist Andreas Johansson Heinö comments: 'The Liberals' dilemma is that they are and want to continue being part of a government base, but at the same time condition this in a way that makes it less realistic that it can actually continue after 2026.' He points to the power dynamics, where SD leader Jimmie Åkesson has issued an ultimatum: Either SD joins the government after the 2026 election or the party goes into opposition.
Heinö also warns that the decision risks overshadowing the Liberals' policy issues during the election campaign. 'The risk is imminent that Simona Mohamsson will have to spend the election campaign talking more about the government question than about policy.' If the election results in a Tidö majority including the Liberals, they may need to reconsider their stance after the vote.
Internal criticism comes from Liberal member Stefan Jakab, who in an op-ed calls the decision parking the party in a 'mental dead end' before the election has even been held.