Tonight I attended a political debate between Jan Björklund, leader of Folkpartiet and Lars Ohly, leader of the Swedish Vänsterpartiet – the Left Party and ‘former’ Communists. Check out the Wikipedia link above to look at Mr Ohlys ‘colourful past’!
It was held in a pub I know very well, Kvarnen is a Bajen pub in the heart of Södermalm. When I heard that was the venue I assumed it would be in a back room as I didnt think they would want to have their evening trade disrupted by politics. However when I arrived, the lectern and party banners were erected in the middle of the actual bar. Interesting!
Only in Sweden...
There was a very good turnout, not sure how many were actually public, am sure most were Party ‘hacks and workers. I was suited and booted coming from work and wore my folkpartiet badge. Both leaders were circulating before the debate and I like the way that there doesnt seem to be any kind of arrogance or ‘distance’ between Swedish Political leaders and the public. Then these are two smaller parties in the system so maybe it would have been different had this been a debate between Mona Sahlin and Fredrik Reinfeldt.
One some technical sound glitches were resolved the debate was very well organised. Some great question and some intersting debate as Björklund made no delay in having a go at Ohly’s anti-EU credentials.
I have no idea why the Left are so anti the EU. Ok I know they are against the market, I can understand that the Swedish Left are concerned that their beloved Swedish ‘labour model’ could be under threat from the EU and a unified system but still, what about ‘workers of the world unite’ Lars?
It soon became clear that around 2/3rds of the crowd were Vänsterpartiet supporters and about a 1/3 were Folkpartiet. Not surprising really, Södermalm is probably the last bastion of the Left but even that is disappearing as Söder is too expensive for ‘workers’ thesedays.
Power to the People!
Jan Björklund really was like Daniel in the lions den, I doubt many Leaders would debate Ohly in a bar in Söder. I couldnt stop pissing myself at a few of the Left supporters who gave the raised clenched fist Communist salute after every remark by their glorious leader. And there was me thinking the Left Party had moved away from all that, some members even had Communist Red star lapel badges.
Again I like the fact that at the end of the night they allowed questions from the floor. I could kick myself really because the by the time I had got the courage to stick my hand to ask a question it was time up.
I really wanted to ask Lars Ohly how he felt being out of the EU would help investment by foreign companies into Sweden? Quite frankly if his lot was in power then this blog would be called ‘Let Me Tell You About Denmark’ as my company has offices all over Europe and its so much easier for us to do business in a EU country.
Jan Björklund and Lars Ohly
Maybe it was just as well I didnt get to ask because Citizen Smith and his mates might have had a pop at me as they were certainly getting very angry with Jan Bjorklund.
I took a beer at the end and again had a quick chat with the Folkpartiet leader again. He remembered me from Saturday (guess he hasnt spoken much English on the campaign trail!) and I commended him on a fine debate and also for thanking him as I every time I see my Swedish improves.
Tonight I probably got about 30% of what was being said, its progress, hopefully I will be getting 60% when this all kicks off again for the Swedish Parliament elections next year.
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