Following Anna-Karin Hatt's surprise announcement not to seek re-election, nominations for a new Center Party leader are underway. Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist is seen as the favorite, while names like Daniel Bäckström and Hannes Hervieu have surfaced, though several have declined. The election committee will propose a candidate ahead of the November congress.
Anna-Karin Hatt's dramatic announcement to step down as Center Party leader has shaken the organization. The nomination period for a successor ends on Sunday, and the election committee must present a proposal ahead of the party congress in Karlstad from November 13-16.
Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist, a member of parliament, group leader, and business policy spokesperson, is the favorite gathering the most support according to party sources. She has not closed any doors but emphasizes that members, districts, and the election committee should handle the process. "The question of whether I would be interested or not is, for my part, raised far too early. It is members, districts, and sister organizations that should discuss and nominate, and then the election committee should do its job," she tells Dagens ETC.
Several other names have been mentioned. EU parliamentarian Emma Wiesner has declared she will not run, as she wants to continue her EU mandate. "I have come to realize that I received such enormous support in the EU election campaign. This is a mandate I want to continue delivering on. That has made me not stand this time," she tells SVT. Similarly, Emil Källström, former economic spokesperson and now CEO of Sekab, has declined, citing his current role.
Martin Ådahl, a long-serving MP and economic spokesperson, is also considered current, but he has not commented. Group leader Daniel Bäckström does not entirely close the door. "That's nothing I comment on, and I refer all questions to the election committee," he tells SVT. Election committee chair Anders Åkesson in turn refers to the November congress.
An unexpected name is Hannes Hervieu, 36, who was handpicked as chief of staff by Hatt earlier this year. With a background as chair of Center Students, roles in the Ica corporation, and as a stand-up comedian, he has quickly taken on a major role in the party. Support for him is growing according to sources, but Hervieu himself dismisses the idea. "I have enjoyed standing beside Anna-Karin Hatt very much, but I do not see that I will fill her shoes and will not run," he tells Expressen. Other names like Ulrika Liljeberg have not given clear answers.