During the launch of Moderaterna's election campaign in Stockholm, several party employees sang a hate song targeted at Social Democrats leader Magdalena Andersson. Social Democrats' party secretary Tobias Baudin calls it deeply unworthy and dangerous. Moderaterna admits the behavior was inappropriate and promises to intervene.
On Monday, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson presented Moderaterna's campaign for the 2026 election in central Stockholm. The event featured a display of a new campaign bus and the party's election merchandise, along with a festive gathering.
During the event, the Melodifestival song 'Through Fire and Water' was played, and several party employees sang along, changing the lyrics to 'and we hate Andersson'. The song is interpreted as targeted at Magdalena Andersson, the Social Democrats' party leader. Expressen first reported the incident.
Tobias Baudin, the Social Democrats' party secretary, reacts strongly: 'It is deeply unworthy. But it is also dangerous. We all remember the Palme dolls that Moderaterna threw around in the 80s. You never know what forces you set in motion when you sing hate songs like this.' He calls it unacceptable, especially with Kristersson present, and urges Moderaterna to take strong action and clearly distance themselves.
On whether it is part of the heightened tone in the election campaign, Baudin responds: 'I really hope not. It is about taking responsibility, and how political representatives act also sets the tone for an election campaign. I welcome tough debates between our party leader, but ramping up the atmosphere in this way is unworthy.'
Moderaterna's press chief Amos Friedman confirms he heard the song and stopped it after a few seconds. 'It was of course inappropriate behavior. In our party, we deal with this immediately; we do not try to sweep things under the rug unlike other parties,' he tells Expressen. The party plans to speak with those involved. Aftonbladet has sought comment from Ulf Kristersson.