Akesson or Karlsson does not matter “- Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet

Akesson or Karlsson does not matter "- Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet

In a press release on Tuesday allows SD leader’s health that he feels “noticeably better” and that “the recovery in the right direction.” But sick leave for chronic fatigue syndrome is extended simultaneously until March 31.

Mattias Karlsson will thus continue to lead the party until there is new news. Political scientist Charles Loxbo, associate professor at Linnaeus University, does not believe that Åkesson’s absence will necessarily harm the party.

– Measurements show that the Sweden Democrats voters have great confidence Jimmie Åkesson. But that’s not why they vote for this party. The large influx of voters come from those who are convinced of the refugee issue and do not see any other political options. Then it does not much matter if it’s Akesson or Mattias Karlsson leads, he said.

Charles Loxbo experience Mattias Karlsson has so far managed to fill Åkesson’s shoes and see no decisive political difference. He does not believe that Åkesson had handled the autumn budget crisis differently than the current party leadership.

In contrast, he sees signs that Åkesson’s absence – and the great in the increase in the last election – have received the more nationalist-minded forces in the party wanting to advance their positions.

As Svenska Dagbladet could tell in the weekend challenge SDU Vice Chairman William Hahne on the Presidency of SD’s Stockholm District – a conflict that is linked the cadres are.

– SDU represents a more pronounced nationalism than the parent party and I do not think goes home with voters. It can affect the SD negatively about the youth moving forwards and claim power and influence, says Karl Loxbo.

Even conflict with Björn Söder reluctantly relinquished the role as party secretary on Monday, showing vulnerability.

– The old leadership Quartet – Åkesson, Karlsson, South and Jomshof – has practically disappeared. Akesson is on sick leave and the South has given his mission. What remains is Mattias Karlsson and Richard Jomshof. I take it that the organization is weakened and does not have the same control as before.

At the same time, he points out that the political position of the party is radically different from the last elections when the SD went from 5.7 to 12, 9 percent and became Sweden’s third largest party. That, more than anything, is behind the party’s conduct during the dramatic fall that nearly ended with a new election.

Can be difficult for Åkesson to come back and lead the party?

– I’m sure he can handle it. But it can be difficult, at least initially. It is a new position for him, says Karl Loxbo.