Åkesson open to ending Sweden Democrats’ annual donation to Riks

In recent years, Riks has received an annual donation of around SEK 8 million from the Sweden Democrats.

In 2025, Rplay, the company that operates the channel, had a turnover of SEK 16.2 million. This means the donation makes up a large part of its income.

Now Åkesson is open to withdrawing the money.

We can say a couple of things. One is that the plan has always been to phase it out and for Riks to stand on its own two feet. That is firmly established, he says.

Secondly, the Sweden Democrats have less money to spend during the parliamentary term because the party lost the election, Åkesson says.

Then the money has to come from somewhere.

A formal announcement is expected in a month, when the Sweden Democrats set out their operating budgets.

Riks has been an important part of the Sweden Democrats' communications strategy. Many party representatives have appeared in the channel's broadcasts and features.