Jewish leaders in Sweden warn of antisemitism in the Left Party

The Council of Swedish Jewish Communities has once again voiced its concerns about antisemitism within the Left Party, following a latest series of expulsions of local candidates. These actions followed internal investigations and reports from journalists that the candidates had disseminated antisemitic conspiracy theories, praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, and expressed support for Hamas.

According to the Swedish Public Broadcasting Sveriges Radio, the total count of candidates removed from the party due to antisemitism, Holocaust denial, support for terrorism, homophobia, and praise for authoritarian regimes has now reached 33. Aron Verständig, the council's chairman, criticized the Left Party in autumn 2024 for failing to distance itself from antisemitic statements made by its leading representatives during the summer.

Verständig noted that the expulsions, while welcome, were met with strong resistance from many within the party. He revealed that the council had brought up these issues directly with party leadership, stating that the antisemitism problem was not isolated to a few individuals but was systemic. He further criticized the party's leadership, pointing out that media outlets have repeatedly uncovered representatives spreading explicit antisemitism.

Verständig emphasized that the party had never taken the lead in investigating its own representatives. He expressed deep concern over the party's situation, stating that it was "frightening" that other parties are considering cooperation with the Left Party. When asked for a response, the Left Party declined to comment.