The far-right Salem march took place in Salem outside Stockholm for the first time in 15 years, with around 150–250 participants despite permission for 2,000. Police managed disturbances from counter-protesters, detaining 15–18 people and lightly injuring three officers. Politicians from both right and left condemned the march as an expression of Nazism and extremism.
The Salem march, organized by the Nordic Resistance Movement (NMR), started at 16:30 from Rönninge center in Salem and ended at 18:30 after a route via Hagavägen to Säbytorgsvägen. The march honored the memory of Daniel Wretström, a 17-year-old skinhead murdered on December 9, 2000, an act that became a symbol for nationalist mobilization. It was previously held annually from 2000 to 2010, with up to 2,000 participants in 2003, but numbers declined over time.
Estimates of participants vary: Expo reported fewer than expected, around 200–250, while Aftonbladet stated about 150. According to Jonathan Leman at Expo, bitterness was heard in speeches over absent supporters, including veterans and youth from active clubs. Despite this, most participants were older NMR members rather than the younger generation attracted via less hierarchical active clubs influenced from the US.
Before the march, disturbances arose at 15:30 on Rönninge square, where about 150 counter-protesters gathered. Police used pepper spray and batons to prevent them from crossing barriers; 15–18 were detained, including eight foreign citizens, among them five Danes. Three officers were lightly injured: one struck with a stone, one with a finger injury, and one hit in the head. Investigations were launched into violent riot and violence against an official.
The police operation was massive with mounted units, dog patrols, drones, and camera vans. An alternative Christmas market on Rönninge square, started in 2010 as a counter-action, drew local residents. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) wrote: 'What we see in Salem today is an expression of abhorrent views and a terrible view of humanity. Nazism and far-right extremism have no place in our country.' Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer (M) emphasized the need to push back extremism, similar to against Islamism. Social Democrats' Magdalena Andersson wrote: 'Racism, antisemitism, and extremism have no place in Swedish society. Wherever they appear, we must combat them together.' Teresa Carvalho thanked police for protecting democracy. Activist Greta Thunberg joined the counter-demonstration and said: 'We are here to stand against Nazism and anti-democratic values.'
Leman at Expo noted the failure does not reduce the threat: radicalization is occurring among teenagers, where the energy now lies.
