Thousands march in Stockholm against Sweden's climate policy ahead of election
About 10,000 people marched in Stockholm on Sunday to protest the Swedish government's climate policy weeks before the general election. Climate activist Greta Thunberg joined the demonstration.
Around 10,000 people took to the streets of Stockholm on Sunday to voice opposition to the Swedish government's approach to climate change. The march was organized by youth and sporting groups, unions, rural associations and rights organizations. Among the participants was 21-year-old student Kliff Lindberg, who said he felt relieved and encouraged by the large turnout, describing it as proof that many people share his concern.
The demonstration comes just over three weeks before parliamentary elections on September 13, in which climate policy ranks among voters' top concerns. A Verian poll published by public broadcaster SVT found that 37 percent of respondents consider climate a top priority when deciding how to vote.
Criticism of the government's course
Experts both in Sweden and abroad have warned that the policies of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's right-wing government threaten the country's emissions targets — a 70 percent cut in transport-sector CO2 emissions from 2010 levels by 2030, and net-zero emissions by 2045. Since coming to power in 2022, the government has lowered fuel taxes and eased requirements on fuel suppliers to blend in low-carbon alternatives. It has also rejected recommendations from a government commission that called for a gradual phase-out of fossil fuels through higher taxes on petrol and diesel.
Among the demonstrators was renowned climate activist Greta Thunberg, who said no party in Sweden is currently proposing policies that come close to what scientists say is needed to avoid a climate disaster. Beatrice Rindevall, head of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, one of the rally's organizers, said the climate crisis is already a reality, pointing to this summer's severe heatwaves across Europe. The government maintains that phasing out fossil fuels must happen gradually to protect the competitiveness of Swedish businesses. Polls currently show the right-wing bloc trailing ahead of the vote.