Sweden Democrats aim for half of cabinet seats in a right-wing government

Jimmie Akesson said Sweden Democrats should claim close to half of ministerial posts in a future right-wing cabinet formed by the Tido parties. He highlighted finance, foreign affairs, justice, and defence as major portfolios and said the party should proportionally hold three of them if it is the largest party. He also stated the Sweden Democrats want the migration ministry portfolio. Akesson expected the number of ministers to match the party’s vote share, which current polling places just under half of positions. He said negotiations should start from proportional representation and equal influence. Ulf Kristersson said election results determine influence and warned against assuming outcomes before the election. Polling currently shows the centre-left ahead.

"“I would consider them, including prime minister, to be very significant. If we are the biggest party we should proportionally have three of them,” said Akesson. He also stated that the Sweden Democrats want the migration ministry portfolio."

"“From the discussions we've had with the other parties, my understanding is that the starting point must be proportional and equal influence,” he said. Akesson said he expects the number of ministers should correspond to the party's vote count which, according to current polling, would amount to just under half of the positions."

"“Every party wants as much influence as possible. But it's the election result that decides. You shouldn't sell the skin before you've shot the bear,” he said, using a common Swedish expression which means roughly to sell one's chicken before they are hatched."

"Sweden Democrat leader Jimmie Akesson has his eyes set on roughly half of the seats in a future right-wing cabinet, including three of the following portfolios: finance, foreign, justice and defence. If the four Tido parties form a government, Akesson believes his party should claim close to half of the ministerial posts."

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