In a move set to shake up the European Union from within, Swedish European People’s Party MEP Sara Skyttedal and former Social Democrat lawmaker Jan Emanuel have unveiled a new electoral list aimed at challenging the status quo in Sweden’s EU membership.
The group presented their intentions to unite dissatisfied factions under a single banner for the upcoming European elections in June, with the ultimate goal of re-negotiating Sweden’s relationship with the EU.
Skyttedal’s departure from the Christian Democrats in February, followed by the founding of her new party, Folklistan (“The People’s List”), has marked a significant shift in Sweden’s political landscape. The People’s List, described by Skyttedal as an “electoral coalition,” has garnered support from individuals across various political backgrounds, all expressing discontent with the prevailing party structures.
Jan Emanuel, the head of the list and a former Social Democrat national MP, stressed the primary objective of returning power to Sweden and prioritising Swedish interests.
However, the diverse composition of the People’s List has raised questions about its coherence, given the range of political perspectives it encompasses.
The party’s agenda notably includes a call for Sweden to renegotiate its EU membership, reflecting a growing sentiment of scepticism towards the bloc.
Skyttedal said: “Sweden should be able to choose to opt out of parts of the cooperation. If this is not possible, we must also be prepared to leave the cooperation.”
However, Emanuel emphasised that while they advocate for renegotiation, outright withdrawal from the EU is not their immediate goal. He highlighted concerns about Sweden’s involvement in projects that do not benefit the country, questioning the rationale behind continued participation.
Additionally, the People’s List seeks to overhaul asylum laws, proposing a system prioritising the safety of women and children. This stance has stirred controversy, as evidenced by the swift condemnation from the leadership of the Swedish Social Democrats, leading to Emanuel’s departure from the party.
While Skyttedal’s alignment with a potential Swexit has not triggered alarm within the European People’s Party (EPP), questions loom over her party’s future affiliation. An EPP spokesperson indicated that if re-elected, Skyttedal would no longer be part of the EPP group, requiring a vote for her admission based on her new party’s affiliation.
