Mike Graham: ’Sweden has had enough of immigration’

The populist, anti-immigration Sweden Democrats’ rise to real power after Sunday’s election has civil rights groups and many immigrants worried about what the future might hold in a country long known for tolerance and openness. Social Democrat Prime Minister Magdalena resigned on Thursday, meaning Moderate Party leader Ulf Kristersson must now try to form a new government. He cannot do so without the support of the Sweden Democrats, who became the second biggest party with 20.5% of the votes. The gains for the Sweden Democrats come on the back of what many voters saw as failed immigration and integration policies. The party, which declined Reuters’ requests for comment for this article, tapped into anger over crime and gang shootings, mostly by blaming immigrants for the violence. It has set out a 30-point programme aimed at achieving the lowest immigration in Europe, including legislation that would make it possible to deny asylum to anyone saying they are fleeing persecution for being gay, or for changing their faith. #talkradio #talktv #sweden