Key facts
- Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson warned that a left-wing victory in Sweden's general election could jeopardize the country's security policy and NATO commitments.
- Kristersson stated that two out of three or four parties in the left-wing bloc voted against Sweden's NATO membership.
- He argued that a left-wing government might not be able to make necessary domestic decisions to fulfill NATO obligations, such as spending.
- Sweden joined NATO in 2024 after decades of neutrality.
- The Left Party voted against the first support package to Ukraine, though eight parties have since been united on the issue.
- Kristersson's center-right coalition governs with the support of the Sweden Democrats, who are polling in second place.
- Kristersson indicated he is ready to appoint Sweden Democrat politicians as ministers if his coalition returns to power.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has issued a stark warning regarding Sweden's security and NATO commitments ahead of the country's general election on September 13, 2026. Speaking to POLITICO, Kristersson, leader of the center-right Moderate party, expressed concerns that a victory for the left-wing bloc could undermine Sweden's role within the NATO alliance.
Kristersson highlighted that several parties within the rival bloc have previously opposed Sweden's NATO membership, which was finalized in 2024 after decades of neutrality. He argued that such a government might struggle to make the necessary domestic decisions, including financial commitments, required to meet NATO obligations. Sweden has actively participated in NATO missions since joining, contributing troops to Latvia and deploying naval and air assets.
While support for Ukraine has largely been a united front among Swedish parties, Kristersson noted an exception with the Left Party voting against an initial aid package. He expressed hope that support for Ukraine would remain strong regardless of the election outcome.
The upcoming election is seen as a close contest, with recent polls indicating a significantly narrowed lead for the Social Democrats and their allies, falling within the margin of error. Kristersson's own center-right coalition has relied on the support of the far-right Sweden Democrats, a partnership he defended by emphasizing the need for coalition-building in a fragmented parliament. He suggested that collective decision-making within his government would mitigate risks associated with any individual minister's political leanings, assuring that any appointed ministers would be skilled and experienced.