Ebba Busch Calls for New Male Ideal in Almedalen Speech

The Christian Democrats sound the alarm for battle over healthcare, also against government colleagues. In Almedalen week's final speech, the party leader Ebba Busch also brings up that a new male ideal is needed. Boys want to grow up to strong men. So let men be men, she says.

» Published: June 27 2025

Ebba Busch Calls for New Male Ideal in Almedalen Speech
Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

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Like several other party leader speeches in Almedalen, Ebba Busch begins her speech in a somber tone, although she then chooses to look towards the light.

To all of Sweden's young people: Do not give up. It is possible to believe in Sweden. Even in a stormy world, there is hope, she says.

Busch highlights in her speech several areas where she points out what she considers to be mistakes from previous governments, which decided to dismantle the defense, phase out nuclear power and not set sufficient requirements for immigrants.

Instead of defense, what was offered to the country then? Well, a gap year was offered, she says.

In all three areas, the KD leader points out that Sweden has now chosen a different path.

Blows to battle

Ebba Busch wants to see a stop to closures of what is classified as nationally necessary care. She takes up the fight in healthcare issues even against government colleagues. Only SD and KD are in favor of nationalizing healthcare, one of KD's key issues. Busch is critical of other parties, which she accuses of putting "the party before patients" and caring "more about regional politicians than healthcare professionals who are struggling".

Here, political entrenched positions hold people captive in despair and waiting. It's actually completely sick.

"Believe in the Swedish man"

Ebba Busch criticizes in her speech the theories of the gender power structure, where men are pitted against women, which she describes as an "over-ideology" and where boys are blamed.

She thinks that a strong man is a person who takes responsibility, who does not need to apologize for himself.

My perception is that men want to be good role models.

She makes an argument that boys in several areas are more vulnerable than girls, when it comes to suicide, exposure to violence and loneliness – which has become dangerous, although she also believes that the feminist struggle is not over.

We must get away from guilt and shame. He gets to hear his worth. He sees that he contributes. He knows that he is one of Sweden's sons.

By "talking well about each other", one gets an end to the gender war.

What I think Sweden needs is a real change in attitude. Recognize the differences between women and men – for gender is not a social construct. Emphasize a view of human beings that embraces both women and men – for the values that unite, says Ebba Busch.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers
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