I have been following the Swedish elections for the past 20 years. Since 2010 the trend has been towards conservatism (mostly) and away from the liberalism of the Social Democrats (with exceptions). Sweden has been ruled mostly by liberals since 1930 and all was well until recent times. Today, however, events have changed to create a NEW environment for this country!
Since 2010 the trends in Sweden have shifted to concern over issues of immigration, crime, racism, and the economy (plus many other issues). I noticed this when I visited Sweden in 2017. I visited Malmo, Goteborg, Stockholm, and a few smaller cities in 2017. I noticed the litter on the streets in Malmo and pointed this out to my Swedish friends.
This behavior (litter in the streets) developed mostly from immigrants who were flooding to Sweden from Syria, Iraq, and other Muslim countries (untypical behavior of native Swedes). Since 2010, Sweden has experienced an increase in crime, vandalism, rape, and tribalism. The Swedish economy has been prosperous and this allowed the people to accept the problems as manageable.
My many Swedish friends thought (in 2017) that the influx of immigrants would not change their culture of acceptance of everyone. I asked them if these many new immigrants would 'assimilate' into the culture of Sweden (now mostly an Atheist nation)? The general view was that they would 'assimilate' as Sweden is so accepting of diversity. But did they think about their governing SYSTEM as they promoted assimilation?
My view is that governing (a country) is key to assimilation. If we all AGREE on the principles of governing, then a Social Democracy is possible (for all). But do Muslims desire to adopt all the core governing principles of the Swedes (moral and social)? My sense was absolutely NOT. Muslims (with exceptions) want their OWN culture to rule over them.
Swedes are mostly Atheists (today) whereas Muslims are mostly God centered people. A BIG ISSUE in my mind! Governing a nation demands a group-think mindset (on the core moral issues of life). We could say that the VALUES (of the people who govern) are the KEY to governing the people! Are these VALUES accepted by the many new faces which are immigrating to Sweden? Is God one issue which divides?
I noticed that change was in the 'air' in 2017 (during my visit to Sweden) and today we can witness this change with the elections of 2022. It now appears that the status quo within Sweden will change from 'acceptance' of everyone to some form of Mob Rule (as the Swedish people are seriously polarized in their viewpoints over the core issues of life). A more conservative mindset will develop and this could create division over time even as it does help with solving some of the core problems facing the country!
I do not expect 'unity' over in my parent's home country of Sweden in 2022 or 2023. I expect more division over issues and this means governing Sweden will be difficult going forward. But Sweden has a dozen political parties (8 major ones) and the mindset of each party is different. Can a group-think consensus emerge given this situation? My sense s absolutely NOT. The likely outcome will be some form of MOB RULE. Swedes (on the left) will challenge Swedes (on the right)! Who can govern in this environment?
Democracies (like Sweden) can function when the economy is strong, inflation is nil, and when crime is minimal. Today, Sweden has an inflation problem which is getting more dire, it has a crime problem which is unlikely to improve, the immigration problem is on-going, and the WHO ARE WE problem is core. If the liberal mindset of Sweden leaves and a problem solving mindset emerges under conservative thinking, then I sense division within the electorate.
Problems can not be solved when the country is seriously DIVIDED over issues of WHO ARE WE. What do we stand for? What are the PRINCIPLES that govern us? What image do we want the world to adopt from our behavior (political and social)? Sweden is now in total confusion over all these ISSUES of governance! The Ukraine War adds more fuel to the fire! So does joining NATO!
My sense is that Ulf Kristersson (the likely new Prime Minister) will bring a conservative mindset to his decision making. He will listen to the Sweden Democrats on most issues. The Magdalena Andersson crowd (the former Prime Minister) must eventually exit the governing platform and express her voice in other venues. She will mostly likely add to the polarization (division) in Sweden.
Sweden is now divided over most important issues. Should Sweden be part of NATO? Should Sweden adopt Ukraine as part of Western Europe? Should Sweden make Russia the enemy of all Europe? Is a neutral stance possible (politically) given the polarization with the country? My sense is NO! Sweden has a diverse class of thinkers who see reality differently. 2022 and 2023 could be interesting to watch!
My sense is that Sweden will try to form some consensus over the core issues but they will discover that the real problem is the WHO ARE WE problem. What do we now stand for as a country? What are our core moral principles? What are our core social principles? What are our core philosophical principles? Should we pursue an Atheistic mindset towards reality? Should be go back to historical Christianity? What beliefs should be adopt as a PEOPLE? Sweden is now MULTI-CULTURAL!
Take the time to follow the progress over in Sweden. If Sweden can get their ACT together and solve their many diverse problems this would be EXCEPTIONAL (for our world). My sense, however, is that this is currently IMPOSSIBLE given the nature of their problems. America is in a similar BOAT. Both America and Sweden could be heading for FULL reform in all areas of LIFE! Until reform happens, division is the core concept!
That is my viewpoint as of today! I am: Donald B. Swenson, economist/philosopher, donaldswenson.blogspot.com. Also, http://kingdomecon.wordpress.com.
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