Prime Minister Kristersson criticizes Greta Thunberg for Gaza visit
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has criticized activist Greta Thunberg for her trip to Gaza, after she was captured by Israeli authorities. The remarks have sparked reactions from readers and commentators, who view them as belated and lacking empathy. The debate highlights tensions around activism and foreign policy.
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was recently captured by Israeli authorities during a trip related to Gaza. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) criticized her for the journey, prompting backlash from various quarters. In a letter to Dagens Nyheter, Olof Törnqvist describes Kristersson's statements as "both belated and lacking empathy." Törnqvist argues that Kristersson never became "the whole of Sweden's prime minister, but only a Moderate party leader in Sager's Palace."
Reader reactions in DN's "Noterat" column echo similar views. Börje Ståhl from Stockholm portrays Thunberg as "strong, brave, with high integrity and a great sense of justice," qualities he believes are missing in Kristersson and his government. Another reader, Per Broängen, questions why Thunberg, as a "provocateur," receives so much attention when other conflicts like Israel and Ukraine should take precedence.
The background involves Thunberg's engagement in pro-Palestinian actions. Kristersson's criticism followed her detention, and the debate underscores divided opinions on activists' roles in international conflicts. No official timeline for the capture is specified in the sources, but the statements were published around October 6, 2025. The reactions reflect broader discussions on empathy in Swedish politics toward global crises.