Thousands march in Stockholm demanding stronger climate action ahead of Swedish election

STOCKHOLM — Around 10,000 people marched through central Stockholm on Sunday, three weeks before Sweden’s parliamentary election, demanding stronger climate action as polls show environmental policy is the top voter concern.
The demonstration, organized by over 200 environmental groups, youth and sports associations, trade unions, and religious organizations, began at 1 p.m. local time. Climate activist Greta Thunberg addressed the crowd, stating, “Absolutely no party is proposing politics that even come close to what science says is necessary to avoid a climate disaster.” She added, “If we continue like now, we will see collapse; we are already seeing collapse” .
A Verian poll published Thursday by broadcaster SVT found 37% of respondents ranked environmental protection as the most important issue ahead of the Sept. 13 vote . The ruling right-wing coalition, in power since 2022, trails the center-left opposition by 10 percentage points in the survey.
The government, led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, has faced criticism from a climate oversight commission for policies that include cutting petrol taxes and easing obligations for fuel suppliers to include low-carbon alternatives. Sweden aims to reduce transport emissions by 70% by 2030 compared with 2010 levels and achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, partly through expanded nuclear power .
Kliff Lindberg, a 21-year-old student, told AFP he was “relieved” by the turnout. “There are so many people who are concerned about this problem,” he said. “That gives me a lot of strength” .
The government has argued that phasing out fossil fuels must be gradual to maintain economic competitiveness, rejecting commission recommendations to raise taxes on petrol and diesel .
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