Swedish Parliamentarians Express Growing Fear of Violence
Security concerns are reaching unprecedented levels at the Swedish Riksdag, as members of parliament (MPs) share increasing fears of personal safety, especially with heightened demonstrations surrounding the parliament building. An SVT survey reveals that many MPs have avoided the main entrance to the Riksdag, taken steps to disguise themselves, or altered their routines to reduce exposure to potential threats.
One MP, alarmed by the escalating risks, candidly predicted, “I am convinced that at least one politician will be murdered during the election year.”
Palestinian Protests and Security Strain
Security issues around the Riksdag have intensified following a series of confrontations between Palestinian protesters and individual parliamentarians. In response to these tensions, SVT conducted a comprehensive survey of MPs regarding their experiences with threats and safety concerns. While the Social Democrats advised their members not to participate due to security risks, 17 MPs defied this suggestion and responded to the survey.
The results are stark: 88 out of 138 respondents (about 64%) report having felt fear or insecurity while traveling to or from the Riksdag during their mandate. A substantial majority—74 MPs—expressed concern that they had been specifically targeted during Palestinian demonstrations in the area.
Many MPs have taken additional precautions to protect themselves, including avoiding the Riksdag’s main entrance, hiding their access cards, or even changing clothes inside the building to avoid being recognized by protesters.
Liberal MP Fredrik Malm described the distressing atmosphere, recounting how he feels “a great deal of discomfort” when protesters surround him and yell as he exits the parliament. However, he stresses the importance of protecting citizens’ right to demonstrate peacefully near the Riksdag.
Diverging Views Between Political Blocs
The responses to the survey reveal a marked divide between the ruling Tidö parties and the opposition. Of the 74 MPs who felt threatened by Palestinian demonstrators, 72 belong to the Tidö parties, which include the Moderates, Sweden Democrats, Liberals, and Christian Democrats. Only two opposition MPs reported feeling similarly threatened.
On the other hand, members of the opposition, including Green Party MP Annika Hirvonen, described the demonstrations as generally peaceful. Hirvonen noted that “many of the protesters are familiar faces, and the majority are very polite and eager for us to hear their message.”
A Growing Threat from Extremists
However, several MPs from the opposition voiced concerns about right-wing extremism, which they argue is a significant threat around the Riksdag. Some MPs shared personal experiences of being targeted by right-wing extremists or Nazi groups, with one MP even contemplating leaving politics due to fear for their safety. These reports have sparked renewed discussions about the growing problem of political violence in Sweden.
The chilling memory of past assassinations, such as that of Prime Minister Olof Palme and Foreign Minister Anna Lindh, looms large in the minds of many MPs. One MP bluntly stated, “The question is not if something serious will happen, but when.”
Calls for Stronger Security Measures
A majority of MPs (around 70%) expressed dissatisfaction with the current level of security at the Riksdag. “I feel a tangible fear of going in or out of the Riksdag,” one respondent said. Another emphasized that security needs to be stronger to prevent an inevitable tragedy.
The Swedish government has responded to the escalating situation by signaling plans for stricter laws targeting individuals who engage in violent actions during demonstrations. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer announced that Stockholm’s police would bolster their presence around the Riksdag, especially in response to the increasing frequency of both authorized and unauthorized protests near the parliament.
The police force has confirmed its heightened presence but declined to comment on the specifics of its security strategy.
Survey Details and Response Rate
SVT’s survey, titled Members of Parliament on Threats and Security, was conducted between September 11 and 18, 2025, and sent to all 349 MPs in the Riksdag. Of the 138 responses received, a response rate of 39.5% was achieved. Notably, the Social Democrats, with 107 seats, advised their members not to participate in the survey due to concerns over safety. Nevertheless, 17 Social Democratic MPs participated in the survey, with group leader Lena Hallengren stating, “We condemn all political violence, threats, and harassment against elected representatives.”
Among the participating MPs, there was a wide variance in response rates across parties. The Christian Democrats had the highest response rate at 84.2%, followed by the Green Party at 61.1%, while the Social Democrats had the lowest at just 15.9%.
Conclusion: A Call for Enhanced Protection
The growing fear and insecurity surrounding the Riksdag underscore the need for urgent reforms to ensure the safety of Sweden’s elected officials. As demonstrations, political violence, and extremist threats continue to pose challenges, MPs are calling for more robust security measures. Sweden’s leadership must act swiftly to safeguard its democratic institutions and protect those who serve within them.