"It is not a decision I made lightly, but it is something that has developed over a long period of time," says Bjälkö, according to an email from the Sweden Democrats to TT.
According to the email, she states that she has had a good relationship with KD in both the Riksdag and in her home municipality of Falkenberg, and that the party's "family-focused policies" have always appealed to her.
She will remain in the Riksdag for the remainder of her term, but now for KD. Bjälkö has not been placed on the SD's parliamentary lists for next year's elections.
The SD's parliamentary group leader, Linda Lindberg, says she respects the decision to leave the party and wishes Bjälkö well. But she is also critical.
"Out of respect for the voters who voted for the Sweden Democrats, we believe that she should take her responsibility and leave her parliamentary seat at her disposal," Lindberg says, according to the email.
KD party leader Ebba Busch gives the same message as group leader Camilla Brodin about Bjälkö's status in the group. Bjälkö is welcomed but will not formally become part of the parliamentary group. Busch says that the Tidö parties agree to handle party changes within the Tidö collaboration in this way.
