Sverigedemokraternas (SD) political staffer Polina Malaberg is facing an internal security review just six days before a national election, following an investigation by the Swedish anti-racist foundation Expo that links her to years of pro-Russian messaging and ties to Russian state interests, according to reports published by Swedish outlets including SVT.
Defense Spending Surges Amid Security Concerns
The controversy unfolds as Sweden rapidly increases its military expenditures in response to regional threats. According to government figures cited in the source material, the country more than doubled its defense budget from 75 milliarder svenske kroner in 2022 to 175 milliarder svenske kroner this year. Sweden officially joined NATO in March 2024, and the government projects that defense spending will reach 2.8 percent of GDP by 2026, with plans to hit 3.5 percent by 2030.
Details of the Expo Investigation into Polina Malaberg
According to Expo, Malaberg—who was born in Russia and moved to Sweden in 2006 at age 22—participated in a 2017 trip to Russia that the foundation describes as a Russian influence operation aimed at granting external legitimacy to the Russian electoral system. Furthermore, Swedish broadcaster SVT reports that Malaberg has links to Pravfond, an organization identified by SVT as being controlled by intelligence agents and utilized to bypass sanctions and fund foreign influence efforts.
Malaberg worked as a parliamentary assistant for SD within the foreign affairs committee from 2017 to 2024 before transitioning to a role as a political expert for the party in the constitutional committee, according to reporting by Le Monde. Outlets note she had access to sensitive security-related documents, though no documentation has been presented showing she transferred classified information to Russia.
Political Fallout and Reactions
The revelations have triggered immediate political reactions across the Swedish political landscape. Socialdemokraterna leader Magdalena Andersson labeled the situation a “security crisis” and told Politico that Russia represents Sweden’s primary threat. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated to Swedish media that pro-Russian rhetoric has no place in Sweden and asserted that Malaberg should lose her job if the allegations are verified.
SD leader Jimmie Åkesson acknowledged to SVT that the new information is “very serious” and requires closer examination. However, Åkesson defended the party’s vetting process, noting that Malaberg passed a security screening upon hiring, and dismissed Socialdemokraterna’s calls for additional investigations as an “agenda-driven process.”
Connections to Government Coordination
The situation also involves Gustav Gellerbrant, Malaberg’s partner who leads SD’s coordination office in the government apparatus. According to Expressen, Gellerbrant is considered a key architect of the political cooperation agreement between the current government and SD. Following the revelations, Gellerbrant underwent a renewed security clearance, surrendered his access badge, and took early parental leave, as reported by SVT and Expo.
While Malaberg has not publicly commented on the allegations, SD representatives have pointed out that she has been critical of the Putin regime in recent years, having described the invasion of Ukraine as “the worst day of my life.” Gellerbrant similarly maintained to SVT that several of Malaberg’s older posts were taken out of context.
Did you know?
Sweden’s defense budget has risen significantly, reflecting a historic pivot in the nation’s military posture following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Polina Malaberg?
Polina Malaberg is a political staffer for Sverigedemokraternas (SD) who previously worked as a parliamentary assistant and political expert linked to parliamentary committees.
What are the allegations against Malaberg?
According to investigations by Expo and SVT, Malaberg is accused of spreading pro-Russian messages over several years, participating in a 2017 trip characterized as an influence operation, and maintaining ties to organizations connected to Russian state interests.
Has classified information been leaked?
No documentation has been presented indicating that Malaberg leaked sensitive or classified information to Russia, though reports confirm she had access to security-related documents during her tenure.
How has the political leadership responded?
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that pro-Russian rhetoric is unacceptable and suggested employment consequences if claims are verified, while SD leader Jimmie Åkesson called the reports serious but defended the initial vetting process.