Sweden is preparing for a decision. Parliament is reviewing security policy and expects to present a report on it in mid-May. Andersson’s Social Democratic party is investigating whether the party can drop its objections to NATO membership.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has turned the anti-Nato mood in the neutral states of Finland and Sweden. Both countries have always cherished their military neutrality and opposed accession, but now they are considering joining NATO in the face of Russian aggression.
In Sweden, support from Andersson’s Social Democratic party is crucial for a decision. They are the largest bloc in the 349-seat parliament with 100 seats. The largest opposition party, the Moderates, has 70 seats, and its leader, Ulf Kristersson, has already spoken out against a referendum.
In a newspaper debate Aftonbladet Kristersson said “the Swedish voters have understood very well what happened on February 24,” and that they “have drawn their conclusions.”
Sweden’s accession to NATO seems to be supported by a clear majority of the population. A poll in Aftonbladet indicated that on April 20, 57 percent of Swedes were in favor of joining. In March that was only a very narrow majority of 51 percent.