Controversy in Sweden After Prime Minister’s Ramadan Greeting Draws Criticism

Controversy in Sweden After Prime Minister’s Ramadan Greeting Draws Criticism
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A political dispute has emerged in Sweden after Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson issued Ramadan greetings, prompting a strong reaction from the Sweden Democrats (SD), according to IQNA.

In a statement published on the social media platform X, the SD said that “Ramadan does not belong to Sweden,” a remark that has drawn criticism from community representatives and observers. According to media outlet Alkompis, the comments affect nearly one million Muslims living in Sweden, for whom Ramadan is a significant period of religious and social life.

The party has previously published statements widely viewed as critical of Islam, including calls in January for the demolition of mosques and comments opposing the recognition of a day dedicated to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his pure family) in Sweden.

SD spokesperson Rickard B. Fält defended the party’s position, arguing that Ramadan is not an indigenous Swedish tradition comparable to Midsummer or the crayfish festival, and maintained that expressing such views does not infringe on religious freedom.

In response, researcher Simon Sorgnefri noted that Ramadan has been observed in Sweden since the late 19th century, citing historical records and newspaper archives, including reports in Expressen in 1946 and Dagens Nyheter in 1956 documenting Ramadan celebrations in Stockholm.