Swedish Climate Minister Romina Pourmokhtari (L) is skipping the COP30 summit in Brazil due to her pregnancy and the risk of Zika virus, drawing criticism from S figure Margot Wallström. Wallström demands the minister's resignation, labeling the absence a tragic end to a failed tenure. The remarks have faced accusations of misogyny from the Liberals and Moderates.
At the end of October, Climate Minister Romina Pourmokhtari announced she would not travel to COP30 in Brazil as her midwife advised against it due to her pregnancy. The risk of Zika virus, which can cause birth defects, is cited by her press spokesperson. On Monday, it was confirmed that no other minister would replace her at the summit, which begins next week.
Margot Wallström, former foreign minister (S), responded on X: "As a tragic final to a totally initiative-less and failed ministerial period, Sweden's minister is absent from the global climate meeting. She should ask to make way for someone with energy, will, and action in these issues." Wallström insists the criticism targets Pourmokhtari's policies, not her pregnancy, and that a capable minister would arrange a substitute.
Liberal leader Simona Mohamsson labels Wallström's view "mossy and misogynistic" and demands a response from S leader Magdalena Andersson: "Is this the Social Democrats' so-called feminism?" Andersson declines to comment. Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) calls the post "very insensitive," noting that feminist foreign policy does not seem to apply to leading Swedish women.
Pourmokhtari replied on X: "Expected this dirty play from someone on the opposition side. Unexpected that it comes from a mother of two. Image Google Zika virus and spend half a minute thinking if you would have exposed your sons to that risk." Wallström dismisses it as "crazy interpretations" and questions the minister's climate initiatives.
The Swedish delegation includes state secretaries Helena Dyrssen and Diana Janse, as well as Climate Ambassador Mattias Frumerie. EU Minister Jessica Rosencrantz (M) will attend a high-level meeting but not the negotiations.