Thousands expected at Sweden climate demo as election looms

A climate demonstration in Stockholm is expected to draw around 10,000 participants on Sunday, according to Swedish police and organizers. This comes just weeks before a general election, where climate change ranks among voters' top concerns. Ulf Kristersson, the right-wing prime minister who took office in 2022, has implemented policies that have cut petrol taxes and reduced requirements for petrol suppliers to add low-carbon alternatives to their mix.

Critics argue that these measures undermine Sweden's emissions-cutting goals, which aim to reduce CO₂ from transport by 70% from 2010 levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.

Kristersson's administration has repeatedly rejected recommendations from a government-appointed commission on how to meet the 2030 target, including phasing out fossil fuels through higher taxes on petrol and diesel. Beatrice Rindevall, head of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, which is co-organizing the demonstration, emphasized the urgency of implementing a climate policy that cuts emissions immediately. She pointed to this summer's devastating heatwaves across Europe as evidence of the crisis.

More than 200 non-governmental organizations and associations are participating in the march, which is set to begin at 1:00 PM local time. Rindevall highlighted that this is the largest Swedish climate demonstration ever, with representatives from researchers, youth and sports associations, trade unions, outdoor and rural organizations, religious communities, and rights groups.

According to a recent poll by SVT, 37% of respondents cited climate change as their top priority in the election, trailing only healthcare, education, crime, and elderly care. The government maintains that a gradual phase-out of fossil fuels is necessary to preserve Sweden's competitiveness and support its companies.