As Sweden’s general election planned for September 13 approaches, Visionpartiet called for the protection of Muslims’ rights and action against religious discrimination.
The party, founded in 2023, described the election as a “critical test” for Swedish democracy, the protection of minorities and freedom of religion. Visionpartiet argued that political discourse in the country increasingly associates Islam and ordinary Muslims with terrorism and extremism.
Criticism of the Sweden Democrats
Visionpartiet said it was concerned about the growing influence of the Sweden Democrats, which it described as a party defined by nationalist and anti-immigrant views. The party assessed that this influence could grow further after the election.
The party also said it had prepared a 21-page document on the situation of Muslims in Sweden and submitted it to three United Nations special rapporteurs. Visionpartiet said the document was prepared using 88 sources and materials.
Calls for religious freedom and equal citizenship
Visionpartiet argued that the debate in Sweden had shifted from “extremism and Islamism” to Islam itself, Muslim institutions and Muslims’ right to openly practice their faith. The party specifically stressed that it was not claiming that Islam had been banned in Sweden.
Visionpartiet said Sweden Democrats member of parliament Richard Jomshof responded to a question about what Muslims living peacefully in Sweden should do by saying that they should first stop being Muslim. Visionpartiet criticized this approach.
Visionpartiet said it was not seeking special privileges for Muslims, but defended equal citizenship rights, efforts to combat religious discrimination and hate crimes, the protection of mosques and freedom of religious practice.
The party said Muslims were an integral part of Swedish society. Visionpartiet said Muslims are part of society as citizens, neighbors, experts, parents and voters.
