The speech to the nation following the mass murder at Risbergska school in Örebro was Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's third. The first, in September 2023 after several fatal shootings linked to gang criminality, was criticized for being party-political instead of uniting the country.
But this time, the Prime Minister succeeded better, according to Jenny Madestam, political scientist at Södertörn University.
It is obvious that he steps into the role of a unifying statesman for the country of Sweden, to try to unite and create security in such a difficult crisis, she says.
The fact that the event in Örebro is extraordinary in its nature, while gang violence has become a politicized issue, also affects.
This event came as a shock to the nation.
"Classic Social Democratic rhetoric"
The core messages that Kristersson conveyed were that an attack like the one in Örebro becomes an attack on everyone, while everyone takes responsibility for helping people in mourning – the deed is not just a concern for Örebro.
It is ideologically interesting that he also spoke about how in Sweden, people get a second chance – something that is seen as classic Social Democratic rhetoric, she says.
The Prime Minister also stated that the deed arouses much anger.
It is a way to calm people down. There is concern about an increased conflict level in society: there is a certain tension and explosive force around what the motive was. He and the government want to dampen potential reactions that people may want to express.
Tested as a leader
Kristersson also urged people to take care of those who are anxious, sad, and lonely. Even though the motive is still unclear, mental illness has been among the possible motive pictures.
It is now that Kristersson is seriously tested as a political leader, according to Jenny Madestam:
This can become an important time for Ulf Kristersson, where he is judged in everything – from the speech to the visit to Örebro.
