Multicultural Malmo: Swedish city loathed by far right braces for election | Elections News
Malmo, Sweden – As Sweden approaches a pivotal election on Sunday, the third-largest city, Malmo, becomes a focal point for political engagement. The central square is abuzz with a variety of campaign booths, commonly referred to as “election cottages,” where candidates from various parties are making their cases to voters.
Recent national polls show a tight race, with the center-left opposition bloc, led by the Social Democrats, holding a slight edge over the right-wing coalition. This margin has narrowed significantly in the past month.
In a striking display of political polarization, representatives from the rival Left Party and the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD) are campaigning just meters apart. Migration policy is at the forefront of debate in Malmo, a city where over a third of its 368,000 residents were born outside Sweden.
Critics of the right-wing narrative argue that Malmo exemplifies the struggles and triumphs of integration. The city has gained international notoriety, previously labeled by UK politician Nigel Farage as the “rape capital of Europe,” a claim dismissed by Swedish criminologists. Germany’s far-right AfD has also pointed to Malmo in its discussions of immigration issues.
Anfal Mahdi, a Left Party councillor, highlights the challenges faced in areas designed under Sweden’s “Million Programme,” an initiative aimed at building one million housing units between 1965 and 1974. Originally intended for working-class Swedish families, these areas later became home to many migrants and refugees. Observers note that the programme, once viewed as a success, has contributed to today’s segregated suburbs.
Mahdi, whose family fled Iraq after the Gulf War, advocates for a more nuanced understanding of these neighborhoods. “We did not have much, but we leaned on each other,” she said, recalling her friendships with peers from diverse backgrounds. Notably, soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who grew up in Rosengard—a Million Programme estate labeled as “particularly vulnerable”—attributes his success to his upbringing in Malmo.
Adam, a 20-year-old florist raised in one of these vulnerable areas, dismisses stereotypes, emphasizing that young residents prioritize the cost of living and employment over political friction. Mahdi concurs, emphasizing that basic issues such as healthcare and unemployment resonate across all demographics, as Sweden grapples with an unemployment rate of around 11% in Malmo—one of the highest in the country.
In contrast, Lena, a 78-year-old campaigner for the Moderate Party, argues for the significance of integration and education. Meanwhile, Jacob, a 19-year-old resident, observes a shift among young voters, noting their growing attraction to right-wing parties, including the SD, which is now polling as Sweden’s second-largest party.
The SD, with its controversial history, stands on the brink of entering government for the first time if the right-wing coalition prevails. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has indicated that cabinet positions, including the migration portfolio, may be offered to SD members.
Amidst these discussions, Sara, a woman in her twenties of Palestinian heritage, reflects on the current political climate. She perceives a growing sentiment among some that integration is no longer a priority and that there is a push for strictly enforced immigration policies.
Concerns over immigration enforcement have intensified under the current right-wing government, with instances such as an eight-month-old boy being ordered to be deported alone to Iran while his family remained in Sweden. In February, the Swedish Migration Agency faced backlash for similar cases involving family separations.
Binto Drammeh, whose family has Gambian heritage, voices frustration over the increasing salary thresholds for work permits, making it more difficult for families to stay united in Sweden.
Crime remains another critical topic in the lead-up to the election. Despite recording the lowest levels of lethal violence since 2012, Sweden has one of Europe’s highest rates of gun violence. Criminal networks are reportedly recruiting children as young as 12 for various illegal activities, complicating the political discourse around public safety.
Political parties diverge on approaches to crime prevention, with the right advocating for stricter penalties while the left emphasizes addressing underlying socioeconomic factors. The Social Democrats have signaled support for raising the age of criminal responsibility, highlighting the complexity of these issues.
Engagement among young voters appears to be on the rise compared to previous elections. Lena reports a sense of urgency among voters, while Mahdi notes that issues related to Palestine have energized the political landscape. Social media platforms like TikTok are also playing a pivotal role in shaping political discussions among the youth.
Despite this increasing engagement, some young residents express skepticism about whether their votes will lead to meaningful change. Adam, observing the multitude of campaign booths, admits to uncertainty about his voting decision. “Many of us think that no matter who comes, nothing will really change,” he said.
