Feb 8 • 18:45 UTC 🇸🇪 Sweden SVT Nyheter

Law and order and defense - increasingly important for voters

Recent polls show that law and order, along with defense issues, have risen in importance among Swedish voters, while climate concerns are declining.

In a recent survey conducted by the polling institute Verian, significant shifts in voter priorities have been observed since September 2025. While healthcare remains the top concern for 58% of voters, law and order has surpassed education issues, now ranking as the second most important topic. The growing importance of defense is also noted, reflecting a shift in public sentiment influenced by international dynamics such as the situation in Greenland, NATO's future, and the political climate in the United States led by figures like Donald Trump.

Per Söderpalm, an opinion analyst at Verian, highlighted that current global developments may have heightened the significance of defense issues for voters. This indicates a response to perceived threats and a changing world order that has compelled the electorate to place more emphasis on security-related topics compared to previous years. The uptick in interest toward law and order aligns with ongoing concerns about crime and public safety, showcasing a potential shift in the Swedish political landscape.

Conversely, the issue of climate and environment has seen a downturn in public interest, dropping to the fifth position on the priority list. This decline is particularly pronounced among younger voters, a demographic that previously placed high importance on environmental issues. Söderpalm notes that climate discussions have decreased in media presence, potentially contributing to this shift, suggesting that as other pressing topics gain prominence, environmental concerns are taking a backseat in public discourse.

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