Stockholm – Ebba Busch, Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Christian Democrats, is navigating a complex political landscape as her party faces a potentially challenging election cycle. Known for her assertive communication style and ability to generate media attention, Busch is attempting to refocus the national conversation towards values-based issues, even as her party struggles to deliver on key promises made during the 2022 election. The upcoming vote will test whether her strategy of emphasizing cultural concerns can overcome concerns about policy implementation and economic headwinds.
Busch’s political acumen has been on display internationally, notably during recent trade discussions with Canada and her outspoken stance on global affairs. However, domestically, she faces scrutiny over unfulfilled pledges, particularly regarding healthcare reform and energy policy. The Christian Democrats’ core promise of state-controlled healthcare regions has met with resistance from across the political spectrum, and progress on improving healthcare access remains slow. Simultaneously, the government’s efforts to secure investment in new nuclear power, a key component of the coalition agreement, have stalled, leaving Busch to contend with the looming threat of a global energy crisis and rising electricity prices. This confluence of challenges has prompted a strategic shift towards emphasizing values and cultural identity in the lead-up to the election.
Navigating a Tightrope: Policy Delivery and Shifting Focus
The 2022 election saw a right-wing coalition, including the Christian Democrats, gain power in Sweden, largely on the back of promises to address issues like healthcare and energy security. However, delivering on those promises has proven difficult. The proposal for state-controlled healthcare regions, intended to streamline and improve the Swedish healthcare system, has encountered significant opposition from other parties, even within the governing coalition. Recent efforts have focused on strengthening international partnerships, such as the strategic partnership with Canada, but these initiatives do little to address immediate domestic concerns.
Similarly, the ambitious plans to expand nuclear power capacity, a cornerstone of the Tidö Agreement – the governing agreement between the Moderate Party, Christian Democrats, and Liberals – have faced delays. While the agreement aimed to facilitate investment in new nuclear reactors, no definitive decisions have been made, and the future of Sweden’s energy supply remains uncertain. The government is still awaiting commitments from investors, and the potential for a global energy crisis adds further pressure. This situation has led Busch to increasingly emphasize cultural and values-based issues in her political messaging, hoping to rally support around a different set of priorities.
The Language of Politics: A Strategic Shift
Busch is acutely aware of the power of language and is employing it strategically in the current election campaign. She has increasingly focused on issues related to immigration and national identity, articulating concerns about “political Islam” and its perceived threat to Swedish society. This approach has drawn both support and criticism, with some observers accusing her of employing “dog-whistle” tactics.
Recently, Busch sparked controversy with a statement regarding Swedish migration policy, saying it should “hold the packet back,” as reported by Expressen. This phrasing, reminiscent of rhetoric used by far-right groups, has been widely interpreted as a deliberate appeal to voters concerned about immigration. Critics argue that this language is divisive and harmful, while supporters contend that it reflects a legitimate concern about protecting Swedish values and culture. The apply of such language represents a potential shift from the party’s previous strategy of aligning closely with the Sweden Democrats, instead attempting to carve out its own distinct position on these issues.
The Niqab Debate and Values-Based Politics
A key element of the Christian Democrats’ platform is a proposal to ban the niqab and burqa, despite the fact that only an estimated 100 women in Sweden wear these garments. Busch has argued that this ban is necessary to defend Swedish values and signal a firm stance against what she perceives as a threat from “political Islam.” She has stated her intention to “shake up” Swedish society in response to this perceived threat, according to reports in Dagens Nyheter.
This focus on values-based issues is a deliberate attempt to shift the electoral debate away from areas where the Christian Democrats have struggled to deliver. By emphasizing cultural concerns, Busch hopes to mobilize her base and attract voters who are concerned about issues such as immigration, national identity, and the preservation of traditional Swedish values. However, this strategy likewise carries risks, as it could alienate moderate voters and reinforce perceptions of the Christian Democrats as a conservative and potentially divisive force.
Ebba Busch on the International Stage
While facing domestic challenges, Busch has also been actively engaged in international diplomacy. As Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Business and Industry, she has played a key role in strengthening Sweden’s ties with other countries, particularly Canada. In August 2025, she met with Canadian Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly to discuss a strategic partnership between the two nations, aiming to deepen relations, improve trade and investment conditions, and enhance strategic cooperation.
Busch’s international profile was also highlighted during a recent visit to Canada, where she skillfully promoted Swedish businesses and underscored the importance of transatlantic cooperation. A YouTube clip from CTV News shows Busch engaging with the media and confidently articulating Sweden’s interests on the global stage. This ability to project a strong and capable image internationally contrasts with the challenges she faces at home, where she is struggling to deliver on key policy promises.
The Role of the Deputy Prime Minister
Ebba Busch assumed the role of Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden in October 2022, alongside her responsibilities as Minister for Energy and Minister for Business and Industry. Prior to this, she served as Leader of the Christian Democrats since 2015. Her political career began in Uppsala, where she was a member of the Uppsala City Council from May 2010 to April 2015. She holds a degree from Uppsala University.
Busch’s leadership has been marked by a willingness to take bold stances on controversial issues and a commitment to promoting conservative values. However, she has also faced criticism for her communication style and her handling of certain policy challenges. Her ability to navigate these challenges and maintain the support of her party and the broader electorate will be crucial in the upcoming election.
Looking Ahead: The Election and Beyond
The upcoming Swedish election is expected to be closely contested, and the Christian Democrats face an uphill battle to secure their place in parliament. With the Liberal Party facing low poll numbers, securing support from voters who may be considering other options is critical. Busch’s strategy of emphasizing values and cultural identity is a calculated attempt to appeal to these voters, but its success remains uncertain.
The next few months will be crucial for the Christian Democrats as they attempt to convince voters that they have a credible plan for addressing the challenges facing Sweden. The party’s ability to deliver on its promises, particularly in the areas of healthcare and energy, will be a key factor in determining its fate. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for the future of Swedish politics and the direction of the country.
The Swedish Riksdag is scheduled to debate a new energy bill in late March 2026, which will likely be a key battleground for the various political parties. Readers interested in following the developments can find updates on the Riksdag’s official website. We encourage you to share your thoughts on these issues in the comments below.