"The Liberals are in a difficult situation, but are definitely needed in Swedish politics. That's why it feels good to have the opportunity to contribute," says Leijonborg in the press release.
He points to the importance of continuing the fight against gang crime, supporting Ukraine, investing in nuclear power, and keeping immigration at a level Sweden can handle.
"All of that will be threatened or weakened if the red-greens are given responsibility," adds Leijonborg.
Party leader Simona Mohamsson welcomes the announcement:
"It is a statement of strength for the Liberals. His values, will to reform, and experience strengthen our party and the work for our ideas. Lars "The Lion King" Leijonborg has shown that he knows how to run a good election campaign," she says.
Rönn: Not running
At the same time, L's economic policy spokesperson Cecilia Rönn, who has been mentioned by several as a possible counter-candidate to Mohamsson, announced that she will not run.
"I stand by the position I have previously expressed: the party's current path is ultimately a question of values, credibility and liberal identity. But in the situation the party now finds itself in, my focus is to be clear about the issues and values - not to make this a question of my own candidacy and contribute to further division. Therefore, I will not stand as a counter-candidate to the party leader," she writes on Facebook.
A week ago, Mohamsson announced during a press conference with SD's Jimmie Åkesson that she had changed her position and that L would allow SD into a government, in exchange for substantive policy.
We have agreed on a number of important, substantive policy and value-based positions that make our side of politics stronger and more united than ever. she said at the time.
Supported Mohamsson
After Mohamsson's statement on the SD issue, Leijonborg praised her.
It must have been one of the most difficult decisions any leader of the People's Party or the Liberals has made," he told Ekot.
Leijonborg was party leader of the Liberal People's Party between 1997 and 2007 and was one of the initiators of the Alliance - the cooperation between centre-right parties.
During Fredrik Reinfeldt's government from 2006–2009, Leijonborg was first Minister of Education and then Minister of Higher Education and Research.
