Sverigedemokraterna leader Jimmie Åkesson states that individuals with pro-Russian views cannot work within his party, following revelations that an SD staffer spread pro-Russian narratives online for years.
The controversy centers on a female Sverigedemokraterna staff member who moved from Russia to Sweden in 2006. According to reporting from the magazine Expo, the staffer spent approximately a decade sharing articles and posts containing Russian state narratives, material from Russian state organs and the news service RT, and content from other channels known for spreading propaganda and disinformation. The staffer, who is currently on parental leave, also allegedly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Jimmie Åkesson Addresses Party Employment and Security Checks
Sverigedemokraterna leader Jimmie Åkesson addressed the disclosures by confirming that the party is currently working to gather a comprehensive picture of the situation. He emphasized that no official authority has issued warnings regarding the staff member following the publication of the report.
There does not seem to be any assessment from either Säpo or others that there is any problem that exists. Jimmie Åkesson, Sverigedemokraterna leader
While Åkesson noted that he places trust in the security clearances conducted by official bodies, he drew a firm line regarding political alignment and party employment. He made his stance clear during statements to the news agency TT.
If you have pro-Russian views, you cannot work with us, so what you need to figure out now is whether that is the case or not. Jimmie Åkesson, Sverigedemokraterna leader
Åkesson acknowledged that verifying whether the staffer’s personal views cross the party’s employment threshold is necessary, though he could not specify when the party will issue a definitive decision on her future.
Ties to the Government Coordination Office and Tidö Agreement Negotiations
The security concerns extend beyond an individual party employee due to domestic political connections. The staff member is the partner of Gustav Gellerbrant, who serves as a top official for Sverigedemokraterna in the Government Offices.
Gellerbrant holds the position of head of the party’s coordination office, where all major policy questions tied to the Tidö Agreement are negotiated.
Magdalena Andersson and Peter Hultqvist Demand Action from Ulf Kristersson
The political opposition has seized upon the revelations to challenge Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. During a speech in the Stockholm suburb of Bredäng, Social Democrats leader Magdalena Andersson criticized the prime minister’s response to the security disclosures.
Why is Ulf Kristersson putting Sverigedemokraterna before Sweden? Magdalena Andersson, Social Democrats leader
Andersson characterized the situation as a serious security crisis and argued that the prime minister is obligated to answer relevant questions regarding what measures his administration is taking to safeguard Swedish national interests. Meanwhile, Peter Hultqvist, chairman of the parliamentary committee on defense, asserted that Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson should be called to an extra meeting in the committee to address the situation.
Hultqvist also demanded that Säpo conduct an investigation and that both Gellerbrant and his partner be suspended from their duties in Parliament and the Government Offices. Kristersson rejected the push for an extra committee appearance, noting that he had stated earlier that he would not attend such a session.
Prime Minister Kristersson Expresses Confidence in Government Security Clearances
In response to the mounting pressure from the opposition, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson defended the existing vetting mechanisms. Speaking to TT, Kristersson maintained that he feels entirely secure regarding how personnel are screened within the central government administration.
I can say with certainty that there is a well-functioning security vetting in the Government Offices, of all employees, which is carried out by the security department and Säpo, and that it is done on an ongoing basis, including if new information is added. Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister
Despite the prime minister’s assurances of continuous screening by the Swedish Security Service and internal security departments, the timeline for any formal administrative actions or internal disciplinary decisions by Sverigedemokraterna remains entirely open.
