Swedish Democrat Top Politician Calls Newspaper Editor a Quisling

Sverigedemokterna lawmaker Richard Jomshof compared Aftonbladet political editor-in-chief Anders Lindberg to Norwegian wartime collaborator Vidkun Quisling on X, escalating political rhetoric ahead of the Swedish parliamentary elections, according to reports by multiple outlets.

Political Rhetoric Escalates Ahead of Swedish Election

The controversy began when Richard Jomshof published a photo collage on X, featuring Vidkun Quisling alongside Anders Lindberg. Jomshof wrote, “The man on the left is Quisling. The man on the right is a quisling,” utilizing a term synonymous with traitor. According to source reports, the post followed a video discussion by Lindberg regarding potential cabinet ministers if the bourgeois parties, including Sverigedemokterna, win the September Riksdag election. Lindberg stated that Jomshof potentially becoming justice minister would be “a nightmare,” pointing to Jomshof’s past statements on Quran burnings.

Broad Political Condemnation Across Parties

Political leaders from across the Swedish spectrum condemned the remarks. Socialdemokraterna leader Magdalena Andersson labeled Jomshof’s statement “deeply un-Swedish” in an interview with Expressen. In response, Jomshof targeted Andersson, branding her a “quisling” as well on X, writing that politicians “all crawl for the Islamists.” Major political organizations, including Socialdemokraterna, Moderaterna, Centerpartiet, Vänsterpartiet, Kristdemokraterna, and Liberalerna, issued sharp criticisms of the language used.

Targeted Editor Responds to Extremes

Anders Lindberg criticized the tone of the debate, telling his own paper that the rhetoric crossed all boundaries. “Quisling was shot, and he knows that very well,” Lindberg said, adding that leading politicians should not label journalists as traitors. Lindberg further noted that the extreme tone from leaders within the Tidöpartiene—comprising Moderaterna, Kristdemokraterna, Liberalerna, and Sverigedemokraterna following their 2022 agreement—has persisted but reached a new severity.

Media Scholars Analyze Right-Wing Populist Tactics

Anders Olof Larsson, a professor of media studies, stated that while Jomshof is well-known for provocative statements, this incident establishes a new low for political harassment. Larsson noted that comparing a journalist to a wartime traitor fits a typical right-wing populist framework where political opponents are framed as public enemies. Larsson observed that Aftonbladet is viewed as an opponent by the political right, noting Lindberg’s background with Socialdemokraterna, and pointed out that the timing directly precedes the September 13 parliamentary elections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Richard Jomshof?

Richard Jomshof is a top official and Riksdag representative for Sverigedemokterna, the right-wing, immigration-critical party in the Swedish parliament.

Why did Richard Jomshof use the term quisling?

According to reports, Jomshof used the term to attack Aftonbladet political editor-in-chief Anders Lindberg after Lindberg criticized Jomshof’s potential appointment as justice minister.

How have other Swedish politicians reacted?

Leaders from Socialdemokraterna, Moderaterna, Centerpartiet, Vänsterpartiet, Kristdemokraterna, and Liberalerna have publicly condemned Jomshof’s statements.