Terrorism

Adam Marttinen (SD)

Madam Speaker! We are debating the committee report from the general motion period on the theme of terrorism.

Terrorism has unfortunately been a pressing theme for our country, especially over the last 10–15 years. The Swedish people have handled elevated terror threat levels and horrific terror attacks in various forms. We have probably all learned to live with the thought that the worst imaginable scenarios can actually occur even here in our country.

All of this is mainly due to the fact that previous governments forced a mass immigration upon the Swedish people, which meant that tens of thousands of violence-seeking Islamists could come here, establish themselves here, and even become Swedish citizens. They could also travel from Sweden to Syria and Iraq and join the Islamic State's terror regime and return to Sweden when the war turned against them. They could even receive help from the previous, Social Democratic government to be flown back to Sweden, where they today, in addition to receiving benefits, can support themselves as teachers and work close to our Swedish children.

The violent Islamist environment is 99 percent an imported problem, for which there is a clear political responsibility. It is also the largest and most dangerous grouping among the violent environments that can be defined. Our authorities have assessed that it is as large as violent right-wing and left-wing extremism combined.

Madam Speaker! We have never heard Magdalena Andersson apologize for what the Social Democrats are responsible for. On the contrary, the Social Democrats' best friends in politics remain parties that once again want to open our borders to all the world's extremists. There we have the decisive conflict linked to the work against terrorism.

The Sweden Democrats intend to go to the election again by stating that we want to protect Sweden and put the safety of the Swedish people first.

Madam Speaker! In the report, there are a number of motions which, under the heading of the Committee's proposal for a parliamentary decision, are met with explanations as to why there are proposals that they should be rejected. I have no other opinion and therefore move for the rejection of the motions and for the approval of the Committee's proposal for a decision.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Anna Wallentheim (S)

Madam Speaker! It is going to be a long and intense period for us members of the Committee on Justice until the election. The Government has presented a large number of bills that are to be prepared and debated and which are to be voted on. But in this flow of bills, we shall of course also handle the political proposals that we members have submitted in the Riksdag during the general motion period. This is an opportunity where we in the Chamber get to debate such motions in the report on Terrorism.

Let me be clear. Combating terrorism is not just about laws and paragraphs. It is also about the security in our society and about what kind of Sweden we want to live in. The threat from terrorism and violent extremism does not look like it did ten years ago. Today it is more fragmented, more elusive, and in many cases more dangerous.

Previously, we spoke about three clear environments: Islamist extremism, right-wing extremism, and to some extent also left-wing extremism. Today, we see something else: a hybridization where ideas are mixed, where conspiracy theories, hatred, and ideologies of violence are pieced together into a unique worldview and where the enemy can be anyone. This makes the threat harder to detect and to stop.

At the same time, the internet has fundamentally changed the playing field. Radicalization no longer takes place only in closed rooms or organized groups. It happens on mobile phones, in chats, and in forums that the adult world often doesn't even know exist. We have seen various examples of this, for instance, the network 764. There, young people are drawn into environments that not only spread hate but also actively drive them toward violence and, in some cases, even suicide.

We also see that violent Islamist extremism still poses a serious threat to Sweden. It concerns both organized networks and lone individuals who are inspired by propaganda and calls to violence.

At the same time, we know that radicalization often occurs rapidly and not infrequently in digital environments where hate speech is normalized and amplified. Therefore, the work against all types of extremism must be equally consistent and equally persistent.

Madam Speaker! Extremism is a societal problem. And it requires a societal response. The Social Democrats therefore argue that we must do more on several fronts simultaneously. We need a strengthened justice system, where resources to the Swedish Security Service and other authorities are strengthened in order to be able to detect and stop threats in time.

We also need to become better at the preventive work – in schools, in social services and in civil society, but also through more resources to, for example, the Center against violent extremism.

We need more ways out, so that those who have ended up in the wrong place can receive society's help to get back on the right track. We need more adults who see, more who act, and better knowledge about the digital environments where radicalization occurs.

We also need to dare to talk about these environments, which are growing, for example the so-called active clubs, which have clear links to right-wing extremism. There, violence capital is built up, and there young men are trained, not only physically but also ideologically. Here, society must be clear. And we need better knowledge and tools to stop this development.

Madam Speaker! Terrorism is not just about bombs and attacks. It is also about weakening societies, creating fear, and undermining trust.

Today we see that the threat also comes from state actors, for example Russia, China and Iran to name a few. Sweden and many other European countries are exposed to what is called hybrid threats, in the form of cyberattacks, disinformation, sabotage and not least interference of GPS signals.

GPS interference is extremely serious and risks disrupting both maritime and air transport in such a way that accidents of varying types can occur. The Transport Agency has reported hundreds of such interferences. International actors have pointed out Russia specifically as the primary source of these.

This is not random. It is not technical errors. These disruptions are systematic and politically motivated to disturb our society. Therefore, in our view as Social Democrats, it is reasonable to classify them as acts of terrorism to be followed up with international wanted notices. We need to signal that that type of attack against civil society is not acceptable.

The government announces that they are working on the issue. That is good. But we Social Democrats would, of course, like the process to be expedited. Fundamentally, it is about what message we should send. Do we accept that type of attack, or should we put our foot down? For us Social Democrats, the answer is obvious.

Madam Speaker! The fight against terrorism and extremism requires more than individual measures. It requires cooperation, internationally and nationally and between different political levels. This is not something that happens far away. It is something that affects us here and now, in our schools and in our digital environments. It is about our security. It is not an area where one can afford political prestige. Ultimately, it is about protecting people's lives, our democracy and our future.

Madam Speaker! Sweden became strong because we built a society where security, work, and equality shall apply to everyone. It is that Sweden that I am proud of. It is that Sweden that we must now defend against forces that want to divide and create fear.

Therefore, we shall stop those who threaten us through legislation. But above all, we shall build a stronger society where fewer are drawn into extremism from the start. That is how we build trust, that is how we push back extremism, and that is how we make Sweden safer.

Madam Speaker! With my concluding words, I would like to move for the approval of reservation number 3.

(Applause)

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Mikael Damsgaard (M)

Madam Speaker! We are discussing, as already mentioned from this rostrum, the Justice Committee's motion report on terrorism issues. There are three reservations in the report. I can therefore state initially that there appears to be a broad consensus behind the government's policy in this area.

Madam Speaker! Sweden's security situation has changed and deteriorated over time. Today we face three main parallel threats to our internal security: terrorism and violent extremism, various actors acting hostiley towards Sweden, as well as serious organized crime. The primary threat of attack against Sweden is assessed to come from lone actors acting out of violent Islamism or alternatively violent right-wing extremism. There are also ideological hybrids, where violent extremists use and combine different forms of ideologies. We see increased links between state actors, network criminals, and persons with ideological motives. We also see examples of how radicalization, especially of young people, can occur incredibly quickly.

Madam Speaker! From being a prioritized target in Islamist propaganda a couple of years ago as a result of Quran burnings and the LVU campaign, Sweden is now judged to be what is described as a legitimate target as part of the larger West. Hamas's terror attacks against Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza entail an increased threat against Jewish and Israeli targets even in Sweden. The ongoing war between Iran, USA and Israel makes the situation even more tense and affects the threat situation also here in Sweden.

Madam Speaker! Swedish legislation against terrorism was seriously neglected for a long time, which we Moderates criticized for many years when we were in opposition. After many years of waiting, the current Terrorist Crime Act entered into force in 2022. At the same time, the Act on Special Control of Certain Foreigners entered into force. We Moderates welcomed the new laws but noted that several problems simultaneously remained unsolved, as well as that the sentencing scales for several crimes were too mild.

Two years ago, participation in a terrorist organization was finally criminalized. Sweden now has extensive legislation regarding terrorist crime, but the work to further strengthen protection needs to continue. The Government will therefore later this spring present a bill on strengthened protection against qualified security threats and organized crime. It concerns longer detention periods for persons who constitute qualified security threats, more opportunities for the Security Service to use secret coercive measures against qualified security threats, and the possibility to freeze assets for persons who constitute qualified security threats.

Madam Speaker! The threat of terrorism varies as said over time in terms of both actors and intensity, but it has been constantly present in Sweden and our surrounding world during the last decades. Many other countries have lived with high levels of terror threats for a long time, but society as a whole has been able to continue to function as normal. We in Sweden must also manage this, while the work to combat the threat of terrorism continues with undiminished force.

The work of protecting society against violent extremism and terrorism must therefore be persistent, long-term, and strategic. As a basis for this, the government has decided on a strategy against violent extremism and terrorism. The work shall be based on four clear strategic areas: to prevent violent extremism and terrorism, to prevent terrorist attacks and other ideologically motivated crimes, to protect society's people and functions, and to manage situations during and after an attack.

Madam Speaker! The sharpened security policy situation, the increased threat profile against Sweden from, among other things, violent Islamism as well as new legislation means that it is important to ensure that the Swedish Security Service has sufficient financial resources for its mission. The Government has therefore allocated significant resources to the Swedish Security Service. From 2022 and up until this year, the Swedish Security Service's budget has increased by nearly 70 percent, from just over 1.8 billion kronor to over 3 billion kronor in 2026.

Madam Speaker! Sweden is a country that should be characterized by openness and values such as freedom, democracy and respect for fundamental human civil and political rights. People should be able to move safely and freely, participate in gatherings and express their opinions without fear of being subjected to threats and violence. The work against terrorism is therefore central to protecting our way of life in a free democratic society.

In conclusion, I would like to move for the approval of the proposal in the report.

(Applause)

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Samuel Gonzalez Westling (V)

Madam Speaker! I was a participant at the meeting in Gubbängen that was attacked by right-wing extremists two years ago. Most likely they belonged to Aktivklubb, an organization that is known in many different ways, including through some connections all the way up to the government parties. Aktivklubb recruits its members, among other things, by contacting young boys online, often through different types of games or chats. Those who are recruited then become progressively more and more radicalized, until they have gone so far that they are prepared to commit loathsome violent acts. Often it is boys who have never before engaged in crime. In the same way, extreme Islamist organizations operate. They use the same methods.

Those who commit crimes must, of course, be punished. But we must also ensure that one can leave extremist environments if that is the wish. That is why it is obviously important that we have a well-functioning defector program for heavily criminal extremists, and that work is currently continuing through Center against violence-promoting extremism. But one thing that is perhaps even more important is that we ensure we find forms for those who have not yet become criminal but want to quit before it is too late. Unfortunately, the existing activities are not sufficiently equipped for that.

Therefore, we in Vänsterpartiet believe that the government should task Center against violent extremism with developing a program for defector activities for persons who wish to leave violent extremist environments without having a connection to crime. It is not an ultimate solution. It is not the final solution to this problem. We have a great deal of work ahead of us to be able to combat violent extremism, not least preventive social work. But we should in this chamber at least be able to agree that we will do everything we can to help those who have been lured into the extremist environment, so that they can leave it as early as possible, before it is too late. Therefore, I move for approval of reservation number 1.

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Torsten Elofsson (KD)

Madam Speaker! Violence-oriented extremism and terrorism constitute one of our time's greatest threats to people's safety and, in the long run, to our democracy. The terror threat weighs heavily over many countries, and Sweden is in no way an exception or exempt. Let us look a little back in history. We have the incident on Drottninggatan with Akilov, who rammed down innocent strollers with a truck. We have the suicide bomber who triggered his explosive charge by mistake and caused his own death.

We have individuals in Sweden who have joined IS and committed horrific terrorist acts both in Paris and in Brussels.

For my part, I had close contact with the artist Lars Vilks who drew a so-called "rondellhund". He was subjected to a number of attempted murders and had to have bodyguard protection for the rest of his life.

Sweden faces an intensified threat profile today. According to the Swedish Security Service, the external threats primarily come from Russia, Iran, and China. Islamist groups and right-wing extremism constitute the greatest terror threat today. Left-wing extremists are fewer, but there is an unholy alliance between violence-seeking left-wing extremists and Islamist groups that is concerning. Connected to that is also an increased radicalization among young people with an increased risk of isolated attacks by lone actors.

What further builds on the threat is the close link between terrorism and organized crime that has taken hold in our country and which causes death and destruction.

These are tangible and concrete threats to the safety of individuals, and they also affect the business sector and the public sector.

Clear links exist to the regime in Iran which, through the terror-classified Islamic Revolutionary Guard, IRGC, plans and initiates actions against regime critics in the Iranian diaspora and against Israeli targets in Sweden where Swedish criminal gangs have been used as proxies.

A currently relevant case concerns the Iranian-born political scientist and regime critic Arvin Koshnood, who was subjected to an attempted murder in my hometown Malmö in the autumn of 2025, a case that is now topical in an ongoing trial in Uddevalla. Links are said to exist to the so-called Foxtrot network, whose leader is alleged to be in Iran. Arvin and his family are now living at a protected address.

From an outside perspective, it may be an isolated incident, but it can still be considered part of the terror-classified Iranian Revolutionary Guard's strategy to intimidate and instill fear among oppositionists.

Now a new threat is emerging against Europe, also linked to Iran. Europol is now warning of an increased terror threat from a pro-Iranian group going by the name Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, abbreviated Hayi. The group has now in a short time carried out attacks against Jewish targets in London, Liège, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. There is a clear and distinct threat also against other countries and above all against Jewish and American targets.

British intelligence reports that during 2025, more than 20 Iran-linked plots were stopped in the United Kingdom, so there is every reason for us in Sweden to be vigilant. We have known since earlier that the IRGC operates in Sweden and targets Jewish and American targets. There are surely good reasons why the police in Stockholm have now established a security zone in the so-called diplomatic district.

The goal for Iran and the IRGC is clear. They want to instill fear in the Jewish communities and in the oppositional Iranian diaspora that supports Reza Pahlavi.

In a broader perspective, good and close cooperation across borders is required, and particularly within the framework of European cooperation in Europol and in cooperation with the member states' security services. Such cooperation is crucial for success in proactive work.

All groups use digital platforms and constantly adapt their messages and methods to attract and recruit, not least our young people.

Madam Speaker! The threat picture against Sweden has also been reinforced by events in the country that have been perceived as provocative attacks on Islam and Muslims. External events such as the Israel–Hamas conflict and the now ongoing Iran–Israel–USA conflict have further expanded and strengthened that threat picture.

To prevent and deter violence and terrorist crimes, efforts are required from all good forces in society. Sweden currently has about sixty vulnerable areas, of which more than 20 are considered particularly vulnerable.

In that environment, a form of shadow society develops with its own norms and rules. Residents in these areas, not least young people, are particularly affected and susceptible to messages from actors who want to attack and harm our society. These are actors who dislike or even hate our lifestyle and our values and who want to see a different society based on a different ideology.

To break this, substantial increased efforts and a high presence of both police and other actors are required. School, social services, the business community, civil society, and the police must work together to identify young people who show signs of radicalization. We must track down, identify, and prevent persons who fuel the hatred. The subversive activity must be stopped, and those who have leading roles must be deported to the extent possible.

With this said, I move for approval of the committee's proposal in the report and rejection of all motions against terrorism.

(Applause)

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Ulrika Westerlund (MP)

Madam Speaker! I apologize to my committee colleagues for missing the beginning of the debate due to other commitments that affect the small party when it is the same person who is required to be in several places. Over to today's debate.

Terrorism is a serious threat to the free democratic society. The work against terrorism must be carried out both in and by Sweden alone as well as in cooperation with other countries. Violence-seeking extremists are organized to varying degrees, but some have a global reach.

The Swedish Security Service is responsible for counter-terrorism in Sweden. Säpo's resources have been strengthened, and several new laws have been implemented to prevent terrorism. It is also important moving forward that Säpo has sufficient resources to work effectively with counter-terrorism.

In line with the fact that the mandate is expanding and becoming more complex, we must also strengthen the internal review of the authority's work so that the interventions and investigations are carried out in a legally secure manner.

Preventing radicalization to violent extremism is to prevent terrorism. In 2017, the Center against Violent Extremism was established, and Miljöpartiet wants it to be further strengthened. Cooperation with the municipalities is crucial to detect radicalization processes in time among groups or individuals and in places where there is a particularly high risk that radicalization can occur.

We should also make a special effort to counter the financing of terrorism. This involves both combating the financing of terrorist organizations within Sweden and preventing money from Sweden from contributing to terrorism abroad.

In relation to those goals, international cooperation is extremely important, especially within the EU and within Europol, to map out sources of funding and transfer methods. To combat terror financing effectively, we also need to strengthen the work against money laundering.

Madam Speaker! We also need powerful preventive work to reduce the risk that vulnerable, marginalized people become involved in extremist environments. It requires long-term commitment and that the measures implemented are not individual and isolated.

People should not have to feel so socially and economically squeezed that they find extremist environments attractive. Therefore, we want to see a fundamental social justice complemented by a national program. The national program for defectors shall be a complement to the activities carried out in different regions to facilitate defections from extremist environments. I therefore move for approval of reservation 2, which concerns exactly that.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Martin Melin (L)

Madam Speaker! What is terrorism? Terrorism is an attack on everything that holds our society together: freedom, security, and trust in humanity.

Terrorism is an act intended to create fear and, through that fear, influence people, decision-makers, authorities, companies, and states. The fear is meant to make people do what the terrorist wants.

In plain language, the terrorist says: If you do not do or think what I want, I will blow you up! I don't care that you are innocent, and I don't care if you are children. I will blow you up or shoot you. You will die, because you do not think like I do!

That is how a terrorist reasons. We shall fight terrorism with the full force of the rule of law. Therefore, it is important that the justice system has laws and resources that make it possible. But fighting terrorism is not just about preventing planned attacks or arresting those who have carried out the attacks. Fighting terrorism is also about clearly defending democracy, standing up for our values, and not yielding to radicalization and polarization. It is about standing up against all forms of extremism – standing up against violent Islamism and violent right-wing extremism.

Madam Speaker! Sweden must never become a place where terrorists can live undisturbed. Sweden must never become a haven for extremists, violence-seeking fanatics and others who want to crush society for their cause.

This is important: We must not be naive, we must not be anxious, and we must not be afraid to step on anyone's toes. When it comes to terrorism, we must all – politicians, the justice system, and the people – be rock-solid in what we think and believe and how we act. To hide or to close our eyes is the same as evading.

I do not want to see any more Hamas flags on our streets and squares. Hamas is a terrorist organization that deliberately attacks, kills, and kidnaps innocent civilians. Despite this, we see that people in Sweden today hail these terrorists and wave their flags. It is a serious problem and a major ongoing threat to our society today.

I do not accept that, and it must be combated by all means. A terrorist or a terrorist sympathizer is a threat to Sweden and our society – the society that I and many with me want: a democratic, liberal and safe society. A terrorist shall neither live, plan or operate in Sweden. Period!

(Applause)

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Jamal El-Haj (-)

Madam Speaker! I would like to highlight my motion in the report and at the same time speak about the long-term work for Sweden's security. I also want to warn of a somewhat longer speech.

Madam Speaker! Terrorism is one of the most serious security threats of our time. It has neither a home nor a nationality and can be driven by different ideologies, religious beliefs, political convictions, state interests, and social conflicts. Common to terrorism is that it aims to spread fear, undermine our democratic institutions, and restrict people's freedom.

Therefore, the fight against terrorism must be both firm and long-term. It cannot be reduced to temporary outbursts, quick headlines, or simplified slogans. Effective work against terrorism requires knowledge, international cooperation, preventive measures, strong institutions, and a society characterized by trust.

Madam Speaker! Sweden must carefully examine how foreign powers – but also domestic actors – use disinformation, propaganda, and false narratives to undermine our society. By spreading incorrect or biased information, one can step by step undermine trust in organizations, in individual people, and in the long run, for entire societal structures. The purpose is always to create mistrust, division, and polarization, as well as to harm the forces that work for democracy, peace, and security.

Madam Speaker! In order to effectively meet the threat from terrorism, we must also strike at its economic base. Terrorism is not self-financed. A unified strategy is therefore required to detect, track, and stop the financing of extremist networks and violent environments. Sweden should strengthen cooperation between the financial police, banks, authorities, and international actors to hinder and prevent economic flows to terrorism.

The fight against terrorism is not only about surveillance, legislation, and security work in the traditional sense. Sweden is today a country where people from all over the world live and work. Most see Sweden as their home. They want to contribute, work, pay taxes, take responsibility, and be a part of society. That is a strength.

With trust, inclusion and mutual respect, people with different backgrounds can also play a crucial role in the work against terrorism and extremism. They carry language skills, cultural understanding, experiences and networks that can help society to prevent threats, mitigate conflicts and build security from within.

When we build bridges instead of walls, we do not only strengthen cohesion; we also strengthen our security and our welfare. Trust creates responsibility, and responsibility creates the will to protect the society one feels as a part of.

Sweden therefore has much to gain from seeing people with an international background as an asset and not as a problem. If we give them trust, we get back a stronger, safer and more sustainable society.

Madam Speaker! This is not a theoretical conclusion for me, but it is also based on my own experience. When Magdalena Andersson, Sweden's first female Prime Minister, at one point said about me that I have dedicated my entire life to fighting terrorism, it was met with questioning from some quarters. This questioning perhaps says a lot about the lack of understanding of what this work actually entails.

The fight against terrorism is rarely visible from the outside. It is not noticed in headlines or in major announcements. It is conducted through long-term relationships, international contacts, and patient work in building trust – such things that are rarely seen but are crucial for protecting the country.

After the terror attack in New York on September 11, 2001, the day when a city's skyline, soul, and security were shattered before the eyes of the entire world, the then Minister for Foreign Affairs Anna Lindh sent me to Brussels to represent Sweden together with the then Vice Prime Minister Lena Hjelm-Wallén. Lena traveled from Stockholm and I from Copenhagen.

All of Europe was represented, including several countries from the former Eastern Europe. The meeting was led by Britain's then Foreign Secretary Robin Cook. The message was clear: a united European voice against terrorism, support for the fight against al-Qaeda, and clear considerations on how the rest of the world should act.

At the subsequent conference in Granada in February 2002, countries from both Europe and the Middle East participated – Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Lebanon, Israel and Palestine. There it became clear how important language and cultural understanding is in security work.

Israel's Foreign Minister Shlomo Ben-Ami was present, as were many other high-ranking representatives. Ben-Ami speaks fluent Arabic because he was born in Morocco. I was the only participant from Europe who mastered Arabic and thus had insight into the cultural codes.

I cannot go into all the details, but I want to emphasize that this work contributed to laying the foundation for how Europe worked against terrorism during the following years and for how many threats could be averted.

A few days before Anna Lindh was murdered, I drove her to Sturup so that she would catch the last flight. It was in a hurry, but still a calm moment that I didn't think about then but which has stayed with me. From my car, Anna called her children and said that she would be late and that they should not wait up. And then she wished them goodnight. When she got out of the car and we said goodbye, I asked her to be extra careful. That was the last thing I said to her.

When Anna was murdered, Sweden lost not only a Minister for Foreign Affairs but also a unique network of relations and trust across the world. She was highly respected, not least by the US Secretary of State Colin Powell.

When the bombing in Stockholm occurred in 2010, when Taimour Abdulwahab blew himself up outside the IF Metall premises in Stockholm, it was a brutal reminder that Sweden too could be directly hit by jihadist terror. At that time, I took the initiative for a demonstration against terrorism. Together with around 500 people, we gathered at Stortorget in Malmö under the slogan Do not touch our country.

The demonstration was not only an expression of grief, resistance, and social responsibility – it also sent signals to the rest of the world that Sweden is a red line. It showed that people from different backgrounds can gather in defense of democracy, peace, and security. I was interviewed by TV4, and the initiative was praised by the then-chairman of IF Metall, Stefan Löfven.

When the contradictions between Jews and Palestinians deepened after the first Gaza War in 2011 and the atmosphere in Malmö became increasingly strained, Dan Olofsson took the initiative for dialogue and a peace conference to create reconciliation in the city. I was the first speaker at the conference and said, among other things: Ultimately, we are all human beings. There is more that unites us than separates us.

I also emphasized the importance of preventing division through dialogue, respect, and accountability. At the conference, Fred Khan participated as a Jewish representative. Göran Persson, Ilmar Reepalu, and Alf Svensson were present, and Lars Adaktusson was the moderator.

Over the years, I have also forwarded tips and information of importance to the Swedish Security Service. Two cases were also forwarded through the then chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Kenneth G Forslund, during my time in the committee 2018–2022. Forslund is today the deputy speaker of the Swedish Parliament.

Madam Speaker! I do not mention this to highlight myself, but to remind that the work for a country's security often takes place in silence, through responsibility, vigilance, and trusting contacts.

Even in other contexts that have been debated in hindsight, my starting point has been the same: to contribute with clear messages for peace, responsibility, and political realism. When I participated in the Palestinian conference, my purpose was that Palestinians in Europe must stand up for a two-state solution, for political legitimacy, and for responsible leadership. Dialogue without clear principles leads nowhere.

When I speak at Palestinian demonstrations, I also include the historical vulnerability of the Jews. In a demonstration in Stockholm in February 2024, I said, among other things: Let me be clear. A couple of months ago, I participated in a kippah march to show my solidarity with the Jewish people. Jews do not bear a collective responsibility for Israel's warfare in Gaza. We must distinguish between the state of Israel as an occupying power and Jews around the world.

This was met with loud applause.

In my motions, articles, and interviews, I highlight the consequences of terrorism for both societies and individuals. I show how violence breeds fear and division and erodes trust between people. At the same time, I highlight those who are hardest hit by long-term occupation, among others in Palestine. I always emphasize responsibility, humanity, and respect for international law, as well as the need for clear leadership, dialogue, and sustainable solutions for peaceful coexistence.

Madam Speaker! That is exactly why I react when people today quickly cry out about terrorism without understanding what is actually required to counter it. They often lack insight into the long-term work that has been carried out for decades within Social Democracy, within the popular movements, within diplomacy, in civil society, and within the security structures to protect and strengthen the country.

Security is not just about quick reactions. It is about sustained efforts, strong institutions, international cooperation, trust, and preventive work that is built up over time.

Madam Speaker! We must never be naive in the face of the threat of terrorism. But we must also not be superficial in our understanding of how it should be combated. A strong society does not defend itself only with laws and control, but also with cohesion, knowledge, experience, and the ability to build trust between people.

It is this way we protect Sweden – not through words but through action, not through populism but through credibility.

The deliberation was hereby concluded.

(A decision was to be taken on 1 April.)

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