Jomshof language undermines SD government ambitions

Richard Jomshof calling political opponents “quislings,” meaning traitors, risks undermining the Sweden Democrats’ efforts to present themselves as fit to govern, according to an analysis by SVT political commentator Mats Knutson.

Jomshof has accused Anders Lindberg, political editor-in-chief of Aftonbladet, and Magdalena Andersson, leader of the Social Democrats, of being quislings. The wording has triggered a major political dispute and shows that the 2026 election campaign is fully under way.

It is striking that an established member of parliament has called political opponents traitors and used the historically charged term “quisling”, Knutson writes.

The language could damage the Sweden Democrats’ ambition to appear as a responsible party prepared to take on government, he says.

The dispute also creates a problem for Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Such language could drive away potential centrist voters from the parties supporting his government, a group they urgently need to retain power.

Jomshof is known for making controversial statements that place him at the centre of political conflict, according to Knutson. His comments may also serve to mobilise voters on the far right, at a time when Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Åkesson is seeking to appear pragmatic and fit to govern.

Some of those voters might otherwise abstain or support emerging parties to the right of the Sweden Democrats, the analysis says.