Anonymous party members have gone out in the media and criticized party leader Muharrem 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 division within the party.
Until Thursday, no one openly demanded his resignation. But last night, the Center Party's youth association, with chairman Caroline von Seth, went out and demanded that Demirok step down.
New demands for resignation are now coming.
Demirok has exhausted his confidence, now we need to get new energy and enthusiasm, says Karl Gemfeldt, group leader for C in Kristianstad, to Expressen.
According to Expressen, Gemfeldt thinks it's wrong to lock oneself into an alternative two years before an election, and he also dislikes that C has made several statements on the national level with the rest of the opposition.
Received support at meeting
Anders Edwall, group leader in Hässleholm, also believes that Demirok should leave.
I have mainly felt that the leadership has not listened to us grassroots, us Center Party members out in the districts, he says to DN.
On Thursday, the party's district chairmen were called to what was described as a crisis meeting or "fateful meeting". The demands for resignation have come after that.
Several district chairmen simultaneously reject the reports of a "crisis meeting".
It wasn't really my picture. It wasn't a crisis meeting. It was a fairly uneventful meeting, says Maria Persdotter, district chairman in Demirok's home district Östergötland, to TT.
The question of the harsh internal criticism of the party leader was, however, discussed, she reports.
It wasn't the theme of the meeting. But without being asked, everyone was very keen to say "you have our support", says Persdotter.
"Internal process"
TT has been in contact with several district chairmen who back the Center Party leader.
We are surprised by the criticism that has emerged, says Johan Malmros, district chairman on Gotland.
Others decline to comment, including chairman Lars Hansson in the heavy Skåne district, who refers to an "internal process" being underway.
At the same time, Caroline von Seth's statement has sparked anger among local youth associations who believe it was not anchored in the membership base, reports DN and TV4. Cuf Västerbotten and Cuf Stockholm are now demanding von Seth's resignation.
TT has sought Muharrem Demirok.
