Swedish Social Democrats Divided Over Migration Policy

A stark contrast in viewpoints between two prominent Swedish leaders highlights a growing rift within Europe’s center-left parties regarding migration and its impact on voter trust.

Speaking at the yearly congress of the Party of European Socialists (PES) in Amsterdam today, Magdalena Andersson, former Swedish Prime Minister, stated, “We are way stricter on migration and on crime than we were before.” This shift marks a departure from the more humanitarian approach favored during the tenure of Stefan Löfven, who was overwhelmingly re-elected as PES president yesterday without addressing migration in his speech. Löfven emphasized the need for cross-border solutions to shared challenges, stating, “Progress does not stop at national or European borders.”

Andersson criticized Sweden’s previously generous asylum system, telling Euractiv, “We had one of the most generous asylum systems in Europe, and that was wrong,” and advocating a renewed focus on jobs, welfare, and safety. Löfven countered that “Refugees have a universal right to seek refuge,” and pointed to Europe’s demographic challenges, suggesting that restricting immigration could harm future economic stability. This debate reflects a broader struggle for European socialists as far-right parties gain ground by campaigning on immigration issues; currently, only three social democratic leaders hold positions at the EU’s highest level. The increasing influence of right-wing parties across Europe is putting pressure on center-left groups to reassess their strategies.

Sweden has experienced a rise in gang-related violence, which the current government attributes to past migration policies, a connection Andersson appears to acknowledge. She stated on stage, “We need to have a strict migration policy in Sweden – we have a lot of shootings.” Despite their differing tones, Löfven maintained that he and Andersson share the same views, citing their previous collaborative work. The shift in the Swedish Social Democrats’ position mirrors a trend seen in neighboring Denmark, where Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has collaborated with Italy’s Giorgia Meloni on stricter EU-level migration policies – a move that has drawn criticism from some within the PES. You can learn more about the EU’s immigration policies on the European Parliament’s website.

Officials indicated that the PES will continue discussions on these issues in the coming months, seeking a unified approach ahead of future elections.