It is clear that we cannot set off a number of members and sit there obediently next week while they simultaneously bring in as many members as they need. Then we have no interest in this set-off system, says the Social Democrats' group leader Lena Hallengren.
The Sweden Democrats have put the set-off system out of action. It is the Tidö gang who want to get their policies through, not us.
Yesterday, the Riksdag decided on stricter citizenship requirements effective June 6. The opposition's proposal that transitional rules should apply to tens of thousands who have been waiting a long time for a decision on Swedish citizenship was voted down by a majority of one vote. Two former SD members, Elsa Widding and Katja Nyberg, voted with the opposition.
“Only right”
Then the Sweden Democrats brought in two MPs who were not in the chamber to win the vote.
I saw it as the only right thing to do, and I stand by it, says SD's group leader Linda Lindberg.
When asked whether the set-off system in the Riksdag is now being put out of action, Lindberg replies that the purpose of the system is to maintain the balance of power.
I think we need to have a constructive dialogue about how we can solve the system in the long term.
She wants a dialogue with the opposition and the other group leaders.
There are quite a few people who face challenges in their parliamentary groups, so we need to resolve this. It may be other mavericks next time who affect the result.
Don't want to get involved
Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer (M) does not want to get involved in the issue but believes that SD must answer for its actions.
We are part of the agreement and take responsibility for our part. I have followed the discussions and see that what complicates the picture is that there are several mavericks who are not part of an agreement. It is an issue that must be addressed.
The Centre Party is now inviting the party secretaries of all parties to a meeting to discuss how trust in the democratic rules of the game in the Riksdag can be safeguarded.
Our view of this is that Ulf Kristersson lacks control over his government base, says the Centre Party's party secretary Hannes Hervieu.
Left Party group leader Samuel Gonzalez Westling demands that a new agreement on the set-off rules be in place before next week's vote.
Now we no longer have a set-off agreement. We are open to signing a new one, but it is primarily up to the government parties, he says.
Facts: The Riksdag's offsetting system
The set-off system is not a law but an agreement between the parties, mainly between the blocs, that absent members should not affect the balance of power in votes in the Riksdag.
If one or more members cannot attend, it is "set off" against a member of another party who abstains from voting.
The system is very old and has been used since at least the early 20th century. However, the SD was not allowed into the system until 2021, eleven years after entering the Riksdag.
Sources: Parliament, Sveriges Radio.
