So far, no resignation demands have come from anyone willing to step forward with their name. But now, the Center Party's youth association, CUF, is going out and demanding that the party leader step down, which Aftonbladet was the first to report on.
We have a lack of confidence in Muharrem Demirok due to the uncertainties, distrust, and criticism that have arisen recently. We see it as a sign of weak leadership, says CUF's chairman Caroline von Seth to TT.
One example from this week is that instead of addressing the criticism that comes and actually doing something about the things that have been raised, one goes on and attacks the critics.
Divisions within the party
Several anonymous party members have gone out in the media and criticized Demirok in recent days. A central reason is said to be his open support for a government coalition with the Social Democrats after the 2026 election, which has caused divisions within the party. Critics believe that C should instead keep its options open to both sides, to get a strong negotiating position.
The dissatisfaction took new force after a party executive meeting recently, when Demirok surprisingly sought a mandate to take a stance in favor of Magdalena Andersson. Since then, his leadership has been questioned.
There has been talk of top-down governance and pseudo-democracy, and according to Expressen, several people believe it is an "open question" whether Demirok can remain. In this context, the C leader's low confidence figures and the party's weak opinion polls are also mentioned.
TT has spoken to several people in the Center leadership who support Demirok. Their picture of the conflict is that it is a minority in the party that at all costs wants to avoid C taking a stance in favor of Magdalena Andersson and cooperation to the left.
Those who support Demirok's line believe that C cannot afford to wait until after the election to give notice in the government issue, and that the strategy is based on wishful thinking about the political landscape after the next election.
Critical of leaks
Previously, Demirok has been critical of leaks. He has also said that no decisions have been made to support Magdalena Andersson at the party executive meeting.
Demirok believes he is describing "reality".
I hear Magdalena Andersson. She opens doors for more collaborations, I appreciate that. I also hear Ulf Kristersson, he closes doors. Then, center party members cannot stand outside like beggars and wait for him to open it, said Demirok in SVT's Aktuellt yesterday.
