Sweden’s centre-left prime minister has rejected an application to join NATO, saying membership would destabilize the security of Northern Europe.
After Sweden bolstered its support for joining a military alliance following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, opposition center-right party leaders again urged the government to begin discussions on the issue. can become a Nato member. But Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson of the Social Democrats rejected the request for talks.
“If Sweden chooses to apply for membership in the current situation, it will further destabilize the security of this particular part of Europe and increase tensions in the region,” she said. Europe, and Sweden will contribute to the destabilization of the situation.”
Her remarks contrasted with neighboring Finland, where centre-left prime minister Sanna Marin has promised a swift and comprehensive debate among party leaders on whether the country should join Nato. .
Sweden and Finland are two of the Nordic-Baltic countries that are not part of NATO, and public opinion in both countries has been reeling. massive support belong to member of military alliance.
Neither country has remained neutral since it joined the EU, and both have close military partnerships with both NATO and the US.
Some Swedish commentators have criticized Andersson’s choice of words, even as the Social Democratic Party’s opposition to Nato membership has long existed. Citing the prime minister’s use of the word “destabilizing”, Anna Dahlberg, political editor of the Expressen tabloid, said: “Why does the prime minister accept the Kremlin’s position?”
Ulf Kristersson, leader of Sweden’s main Opposition, called Andersson’s comments “very regrettable” and said they risked causing a split between Sweden and Finland “in a dangerous way”. . Some commentators pointed out that Sweden’s removal of Nato membership could further complicate a potential Finnish bid.
It has long been assumed that Sweden will lead in making these two countries Nato but increasingly it seems that Finland, with half the population, is taking the lead.
Marine speak on Monday during a visit to neighboring Estonia: “We are moving quickly, although these discussions will be thorough.”
Kristersson said earlier on Tuesday that Finland was setting the pace for his country and urged Stockholm to discuss the possibility of membership.
“We are in a completely new situation and so, just like in Finland, we need to do a new analysis of what best serves Sweden’s interests,” the review leader said. peace, one Nato membership supporter added.
The victory of Sweden’s opposition parties in September’s parliamentary elections could fuel the political argument in favor of the union membership talks.
A poll last week shows that the majority Finns supported joining Nato for the first time.
Party and parliamentary leaders will hold talks again this week with president Sauli Niinisto, who previously urged them to keep a cool head on the issue. Swedish opinion polls in recent days also show a majority or majority – in favor rather than against – for membership.
The surge in support came as the Finns and Swedes reacted to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is also a non-NATO member. NATO countries have offered Kyiv weapons and morale but have so far been unwilling to provide troops or enforce a no-fly zone as demanded by Ukrainian officials.
Leaders in the Baltic countries especially wanted Finland and Sweden in Nato because of their strategic location. At 1,340 km, Finland has the longest border of any EU country with Russia, while analysts say the Swedish island of Gotland could act as an aircraft carrier in the middle of the Baltic Sea. .
Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister of Estonia, told Marin that she could assuage any concerns that joining Nato would undermine Finland’s security. “The accession of Finland and Sweden will strengthen NATO, but I believe it will strengthen the security of Finland and Sweden,” she added.
