Sweden Democrats bus campaign sparks driver protests

Approximately twenty bus drivers of Somali origin in Sweden have taken sick leave following a political advertising campaign by the Sweden Democrats (SD). The campaign, which was displayed on buses operated by Wästtrafik, featured messages such as: ‘Miss Mogadishu? The repatriation grant helps you home.’

Drivers reported feeling unsafe and feared that the advertisements could provoke negative reactions or harassment from passengers. Because the buses serve as closed workplaces where drivers often work alone, they felt unable to distance themselves from the political messaging.

Wästtrafik eventually removed the advertisements following protests. In response, SD's Tobias Andersson characterized the removal as censorship.