Sweden Democrats' vision for national identity sparks political debate

Political discourse in Sweden is centering on the Sweden Democrats' (SD) vision for the nation and its stance on immigration. Critics argue that the party's campaign message, embodied by leader Jimmie Åkesson's slogan "We make Sweden Sweden again," implies that residents with immigrant backgrounds do not belong in the country.

The party's platform seeks to restore a version of the Swedish "folkhem" (people's home), though commentators note that SD's interpretation differs from the traditional welfare-state model built on organized labor. Instead, their vision emphasizes civic duty and national cohesion while moving toward an ethnically homogeneous population.

SD migration spokesperson Ludvig Aspling has stated that "there are too many who are not part of the ethnic Swedish population," reinforcing concerns regarding the party's focus on ethnic identity in Swedish politics.