Sweden prides itself on equality – so why is its political gender gap growing?

Jul 14, 2026 - 04:35

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Sweden prides itself on equality – so why is its political gender gap growing?

As general election looms, survey shows twice as many men as women support far-right Sweden Democrats

One is led by Sweden’s first female prime minister, Magdalena Andersson, and has promised smaller school-class sizes, more housing and free dental care for young people. The other, led by Jimmie Åkesson, has neo-Nazi roots and has pledged to lower taxes, improve public safety and treat “anti-Swedishness” as a hate crime.

In the run-up to Sweden’s general election in September, the Social Democrats and the Sweden Democrats are placed first and second respectively in the polls, and between them are expected to scoop up more than 50% of the vote.