Sweden Democrats
A clear guide to Sweden Democrats (SD) in Sweden: its history, national conservatism ideology, leadership, and where it stands on the economy, social issues, and foreign policy.
Overview
- Country
- Sweden
- Founded
- 1988
- Position
- Right-wing
- Leader
- Jimmie Åkesson
- Headquarters
- Stockholm
The Sweden Democrats (Sverigedemokraterna, SD) are a nationalist and right-wing populist party led by Jimmie Åkesson since 2005. The party describes itself as social conservative with a nationalist foundation. From 2022 to 2026 it supported the Kristersson government under the Tidö Agreement and shaped much of its migration and crime policy, and it sought cabinet posts in the 2026 election.
History
The SD was founded in 1988. Several of its founders and early members had backgrounds in white nationalist and neo-Nazi movements, a history the party formally apologised for in 2025. Under Åkesson it expelled extremists and moderated its image.
It entered the Riksdag in 2010 with 5.7 percent and grew at every election until 2022, when it became the second-largest party and the largest on the right.
Economic Policy
The SD combines support for the welfare state for citizens, particularly pensioners and healthcare, with lower fuel taxes and scepticism of costly climate policy. It favours nuclear power.
Foreign Policy
The SD is Eurosceptic and sits with the European Conservatives and Reformists. It accepted NATO membership in 2022 and supports Ukraine.
Where They Stand
- Seeks sharply lower immigration and more return migration
- Supports harsher sentences and expanded police powers
- Favours lower fuel taxes and new nuclear power
- Is sceptical of the EU and opposes the euro
- Defends a culturally defined Swedish national identity
Electoral Record
The SD won 20.5 percent and 73 seats in 2022, and 17.5 percent and 62 seats in 2026.
Position on the Political Compass
Sweden Democrats sits on the centrist side on economics and is more authoritarian on questions of social freedom and authority.
These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.
Key Figures
Jimmie Åkesson
Party leader since 2005
Transformed the party from the fringe into a major force.
Mattias Karlsson
Party ideologue
A former parliamentary group leader who shaped the party's national-conservative programme.
Sources and Further Reading
- Sweden Democrats (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websitesd.se
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion Sweden political test to see how your views compare with Sweden Democrats and the other parties.
Take the Sweden Test
Social Policy
The party's central aims are sharply lower immigration, return migration, stricter rules for citizenship, and tougher law and order. It is critical of Islam's influence on Swedish society and defends a culturally defined Swedish identity.