Swedish election puts Palestine recognition and Gaza policy in play
A narrow polling lead for Sweden’s left could open the way to renewed UNRWA funding, while a stronger role for the Sweden Democrats would put recognition of Palestine under pressure.
Sweden’s general election could alter its policy on Israel and Palestine, including its recognition of Palestine, aid to Palestinians and approach to Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
A Novus poll reported by Al Jazeera Global News puts a left-wing coalition on 50.3 per cent, compared with 47.9 per cent for the current right-wing government. The figures indicate a close contest but do not determine the result or the coalition negotiations that would follow.
The governing Moderates, Christian Democrats and Liberals have relied on parliamentary support from the Sweden Democrats since a 2022 agreement. Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Åkesson has said recognition of Palestine should be withdrawn. The party also supports moving Sweden’s embassy to Jerusalem and ending aid to Palestinians.
Sweden recognised Palestine in 2014, becoming the first European Union member state to do so. The current government has ended core funding to UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, and allocated about $83 million for humanitarian assistance to Gaza and the region in 2026 while bypassing the agency.
The left bloc supports renewed UNRWA funding. The Left Party and Greens also support Sweden joining South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The current government has not joined the case and does not describe Israel’s conduct in Gaza as genocide.
All parties condemn the Hamas-led 7 October 2023 attacks and oppose Hamas having a role in a future Palestinian government. Whether Sweden changes its recognition of Palestine or its wider policy towards Israel and Gaza will depend on the election result and subsequent government decisions.
