Sunday's party leaders' debate in SVT's Agenda was marked by a high tone and frequent interruptions. Nooshi Dadgostar (V) faced criticism from Ebba Busch (KD) and Anna-Karin Hatt (C) during discussions on integration and the Gaza war. Several leaders described the debate as rowdy and unworthy of democracy.
The debate, held on October 12, 2025, in the SVT studio with less than a year until the parliamentary election, covered topics like integration, the Gaza war, climate, and the economy. Tensions rose early when Nooshi Dadgostar commented on Ebba Busch's prior statement that Israel "does the world a service" by combating Hamas. Busch interrupted, demanding the full quote: "Israel does the world a service that wants to annihilate the terror sect Hamas." Dadgostar was accused of deliberately misquoting, which Busch called hypocrisy.
During the integration segment, Busch mockingly imitated Dadgostar regarding a previous jeans ban in parliament, while Dadgostar accused Busch of lying about V's stance on abortion. "You're lying, I'm not lying," said Dadgostar. Anna-Karin Hatt criticized Dadgostar for creating chaos: "You're making this look like an unruly youth home." Dadgostar responded that she herself has faced death threats and sought to avoid polarization.
Post-debate, leaders commented: Jimmie Åkesson (SD) called it "much more rowdy" and praised Hatt's reprimand. Magdalena Andersson (S) said: "It was not the best day for Swedish democracy," pointing to falsehoods and bickering. Hatt emphasized the need for measured debate: "We as party leaders should be able to have a sharp and sane debate." The debate ended with calls for calm from hosts Anders Holmberg and Camilla Kvartoft, but tensions persisted in follow-up interviews.
