A winter swimming competition is set to take place at the end of February in Kurjuvoviken, Skelleftehamn, just outside Skellefteå. This event is expected to attract around 500 participants who will swim various distances and participate in relay races. However, local political parties are struggling to field teams for the event, notably the Moderates who expressed a desire to compete against other parties but received little interest. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats managed to assemble only one swimmer, Daniel Sjögren, reflecting the busy schedules of local politicians as they gear up for the elections in 2026.

In a bid for balanced coverage, both the Moderates and the Social Democrats were invited to answer pressing questions while in a chilly ice hole. This unique approach not only emphasizes the winter swimming culture in Skellefteå, which has hosted competitions annually since 2012, but also serves as a lighthearted backdrop for political discourse. The event not only promotes physical endurance but also engages local politicians with the community in an unconventional way.

As the winter swimming competition approaches, the absence of a strong political presence may indicate broader priorities for local politicians focused on the operational and strategic demands of their upcoming election campaigns. The tradition of winter swimming in Skellefteå continues to be an important part of the local culture, making it a notable event in the community's calendar even amidst the hustle and bustle of political preparations.