Swedish Opposition Leader: "Let's Decide Sweden and Finland's NATO Membership Together"

The Prime Minister Refuses to Discuss NATO Membership... 'NATO Membership Proposal' Emerges as the Biggest Issue in September General Election

Wolff Kristersson, Leader of the Spanish Centrist Party
Photo by EPA Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] Ulf Kristersson, leader of Sweden's Moderate Party, has called for Sweden and Finland to jointly decide on whether to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The Moderate Party, a center-right party, is Sweden's largest opposition party with 70 seats, following the ruling Social Democrats who hold 100 seats. Depending on the results of the general election on September 11, Kristersson could become the next prime minister. Six months ahead of the election, the issue of NATO membership has emerged as a key variable in Sweden's general election.

According to major foreign media on the 10th (local time), Kristersson recently argued that Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson's decision could strain relations with Finland and destabilize security in the Nordic region.

Andersson, who leads a minority coalition government as a member of the Social Democrats, rejected the opposition's call to discuss NATO membership on the 8th. She stated, "If Sweden applies for NATO membership under the current circumstances, it will make the European region more unstable." In fact, Russia, which invaded Ukraine on the 24th of last month, has expressed opposition to Sweden and Finland joining NATO, warning that if the two countries join NATO, there would be serious military and political consequences. Among the eight Nordic and Baltic Sea countries, only Sweden and Finland have not joined NATO.

Following Andersson's remarks, foreign media reported concerns in Finland that if Finland joins NATO alone and Russia invades, Sweden might abandon Finland.

Magdalena Andersson, Prime Minister of Sweden
[Photo by AP Yonhap News]

Kristersson pointed out that the prime minister's remarks unintentionally undermined Finland's qualifications as an ally. He argued that the Social Democrats cannot unilaterally decide on the NATO membership application and that the parliamentary majority wants NATO membership to be included in Sweden's security policy.

The Moderate Party has long advocated for NATO membership. In contrast, since coming to power in 2014, the Social Democrats have maintained a friendly relationship with NATO while opposing membership.

Instead of discussing NATO membership, Andersson said on the 10th that defense spending, expected to be 1.3% of this year's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), would be increased to 2% of GDP as soon as possible. She emphasized the need to significantly strengthen Sweden's defense capabilities.

While the ruling and opposition parties in Sweden clash over NATO membership, Finland is actively discussing the issue. Currently, Finland's government and opposition are holding public debates on NATO membership, with a conclusion expected by spring.

Due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, public opinion in Finland and Sweden in favor of joining NATO is rising.

A public opinion poll released by the Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet on the 4th showed that support for NATO membership stood at 51%, overwhelming the opposition at 27%. In a poll conducted by Finnish broadcaster YLE from the 23rd to 25th of last month, a majority supported joining NATO for the first time. Fifty-three percent of respondents favored NATO membership. In YLE's last survey on NATO membership in 2017, support was only 19%.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.