Liberal leader Simona Mohamsson told a Stockholm party meeting the cooperation deal with Sweden Democrats is not her preferred option but essential for survival, amid ongoing internal crisis over the March 13 pivot. She voiced empathy for critics ahead of Sunday's extraordinary congress.
Following the Liberal Party's March 13 decision to explore government cooperation with the Sweden Democrats (SD)—sparking youth wing revolt and calls for her resignation—leader Simona Mohamsson addressed critics at an internal Stockholm branch meeting on March 19. In an SVT-obtained audio, she said: 'This was not my first choice, not even my second choice. But it is the choice I stand for today.'
Mohamsson argued the deal, including welcoming SD into government for policy concessions, is vital to surpass the parliamentary threshold in upcoming elections. She insisted the party must pick a clear side—right or left—after vague prior cooperation failed voters. 'It is not easy to lead and have the task of saving the Liberals in one year. But it is a task I have taken on when others say no,' she added.
Acknowledging SD criticisms, she noted: 'They have many members who do not see me as Swedish' and 'The Sweden Democrats have many representatives who do not behave.' She admitted the narrow-circle process was suboptimal.
Ahead of Sunday's congress on the SD stance, challengers emerge: Cecilia Rönn nominated by Jönköping and Västerbotten, while Western Sweden supports Mohamsson (9-5) and Stockholm abstains. Equality Minister Nina Larsson backs Mohamsson's retention.
