Swedish Democrats leader Jimmie Åkesson defends party's citizenship‑based view after Aspling controversy

Sverigedemokraterna party leader Jimmie Åkesson said the party’s definition of Swedishness remains based on citizenship, not ethnicity, after migration spokesperson Ludvig Aspling sparked debate by claiming “there are far too many people who are not ethnically Swedish in the population.” Åkesson called Aspling’s wording “unfortunate” but stressed it does not signal a policy shift, citing the party’s 2023 program that emphasizes citizenship as the criterion for Swedish identity.

The remarks have drawn criticism and revived discussion of the party’s stance on immigration and national identity during its current election campaign, where Åkesson is touring the country. Opponents have compared Aspling’s comments to historical exclusionary rhetoric, while polling shows the party lagging behind the governing coalition.

Both articles focus on the internal debate within Sweden Democrats over how Swedishness is defined and its potential impact on voter perception ahead of the September election.