Nearly one quarter of Swedish elected officials reported experiencing threats or harassment according to a major new study. The survey reveals this troubling trend affects politicians across the political spectrum and government levels.
Almost half of the targeted politicians, 47 percent, said the threats influenced them to either resign or consider leaving their positions. This finding comes as Center Party leader Anna-Karin Hatt recently announced her unexpected departure after just six months in office, citing hate and threats as her reason for stepping down.
Female politicians face greater risks than their male counterparts. The data shows 27 percent of women reported being threatened compared to 24 percent of men. Women also demonstrate higher likelihood of leaving their positions due to security concerns.
Parliament members experience the most severe targeting. Among national legislators, 65 percent reported threats during the survey period. This contrasts sharply with regional politicians at 31 percent and municipal officials at 25 percent.
The study reveals significant variations between political parties. Green Party representatives face the highest threat levels, followed by Sweden Democrats and Moderate Party members. Center Party politicians reported the lowest incidence of threats.
Only about 16 percent of the documented incidents resulted in police reports. This low reporting rate suggests many politicians accept threats as an unavoidable aspect of public service.
The Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention has conducted this safety survey since 2018. The research forms part of Sweden's official statistics and covers all regular members of parliament, regional assemblies, and municipal councils.
Sweden counts 14,636 registered politicians serving across national, regional, and local government levels. The survey achieved a 56.2 percent response rate, providing robust data about the security challenges facing public officials.
This widespread intimidation of elected representatives raises serious concerns about democratic participation. When qualified individuals leave public service due to security fears, communities lose valuable leadership and experience. The disproportionate impact on female politicians particularly threatens gender balance in government.
The situation reflects broader trends across Western democracies where public figures face increasing hostility. Sweden's comprehensive data provides crucial insights into this disturbing pattern and its consequences for governance and political participation.