The bitterness of unfulfilled expectations

In this study, we focus on Sweden Democrat voters. Our analysis, based on a survey conducted in late autumn 2022, suggests that Sweden Democrat voters are not simply disappointed Social Democrats. Rather, they often identify as politically right-wing. If the goal is to attract Sweden Democrat voters to the Left, there is no easy solution. A few quick shifts in position will not be enough to restore deeply damaged trust.

The survey we analyze also shows strong support for equality and deeply held values regarding politics for equality. However, many Sweden Democrat voters actually deviate significantly from "ordinary people" with their more radical opinions in this respect.

The results also indicate that Sweden Democrat voters display a distrust of elites and widespread dissatisfaction with the performance of public welfare services. While they express strong criticism—such as towards the existing pension system—they lack confidence in traditional, left-backed political proposals as solutions to these challenges.

The report is part of an international FES-collaboration project to better understand right-wing populism in a number of European countries called Populism in Europe.

Discover the full findings and recommendations for social democratic actors in Swedish De svikna förväntningarnas bitterhet and in English The bitterness of unfulfilled expectations.