Jimmie Åkesson outlines new welfare and immigration policies ahead of Sweden's 2026 election

Sweden's Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Åkesson presented a set of policy pledges at the party’s recent convention. He vowed to keep unemployment insurance and sickness benefits unchanged, and to raise the unemployment payout to 80 % of wages for the first 100 days of a claim. Åkesson also promised an expanded high‑cost dental cover for all age groups and a review of the childcare allowance system. On immigration, the party intends to replace permanent residence permits with temporary ones in the next term and opposes proposals to tighten the unemployment‑insurance time limits. Additional measures include allowing health‑care staff to receive student‑loan repayments similar to police, converting certain rental apartments into owner‑occupied homes, and opposing market‑rent reforms. Åkesson framed these proposals as a chance to “heal” the country now that immigration levels are low.

The announcements aim to sharpen the Sweden Democrats’ welfare platform while maintaining a hard‑line stance on immigration ahead of the 2026 parliamentary election.