Ulf Kristersson lists a number of circumstances that mean Sweden is well placed to fend off attempts by foreign powers to influence the Swedish election in September 2026.
We have a tradition of democracy that is over 100 years long and our authorities have extensive experience in conducting elections in a legally secure and correct manner, says Kristersson.
He also highlights the general suspicion of Swedes, especially towards Russian stories, as a protection against influence.
Inviting party leaders
We have no natural inclination to trust that kind of propaganda and we have a particular strength in that we stand united in Sweden in our support for Ukraine. It is much easier to influence a country where the division in the view of Ukraine is great.
He invites the other party leaders to a meeting on February 6th where the Election Authority, the Security Service and the Psychological Defense Agency (MPF) will present their situational assessments ahead of the election.
MPF's Director General Magnus Hjort emphasizes that several countries in Europe have been subjected to election interference over the past year, primarily from Russia.
Nuclear weapons threat
"They are working systematically, methodically, strategically, and with extensive resources. They want to increase polarization, create anxiety and fear, and achieve electoral successes that are in line with Russian strategic objectives," he says.
As examples, he takes the use of cyberattacks, false messages on social media and threats of nuclear weapons.
You can use graffiti to create fear, you can initiate demonstrations and the like, says Hjort.
He assesses that Sweden is not currently a priority target for Russian information influence and that Sweden's resilience is good.
We have a robust electoral system, we have free and independent media. Our democracy stands strong.
