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Åkesson stands firm on immigration

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Åkesson stands firm on immigration

Despite the recent outrages in Norway, Sweden Democrat (SD) leader Jimmie

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Åkesson refused to change his stance on the controversial party’s line on immigration during his summer speech on Saturday.

Addressing some 500 people in his hometown Sölvesborg in Blekinge, Southern Sweden Åkesson stressed that recent events would not make a difference to the party line, although he believes it should trigger a less combative tone when debating such issues, not just among his own party but all his opponents as well.

“We must be able to continue to criticise Sweden’s immigration policies without being blamed for mass murder,” said Åkesson.

However, he added, “What is important to emphasise is that we will always keep a good tone in the debate, that we have a civilised conversation and we hold back throwing the gravest expression at each other. This applies to me and all politicians.”

Flanked by security guards as he made his speech from the podium at a marina in the town Åkesson once again expressed his anger that the party had been held in some way responsible for the atrocities in Norway because of their outspoken opposition to multiculturalism and refused to condemn the Fremskrittspartiet (FRP) the right wing party which had such an influence on Anders Behring Breivik.

The Norwegian party has promised to tone down its rhetoric in the wake of the incidents, which Åkesson claims is a good example for parties like his own to follow.

He said, “If you mean just what it is now important that we stick together and that we as Democrats stand up for sensible political discourse, it is a great policy initiative.”

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