Sjöbo referendum made Swedish town symbol of anti-migration politics
In 1988, residents of Sjöbo, a small town in southern Sweden, voted overwhelmingly against accepting refugees, after the national government asked it to take in about 15 people. The referendum, unusual in Sweden at the time, attracted international attention and exposed deep divisions over immigration, while its result helped make Sjöbo a lasting symbol of anti-migration politics.
Nearly 68 per cent voted against refugee arrivals, with the dispute causing threats, vandalism and lasting social tensions. Although Sjöbo now accepts newcomers and reportedly takes in more than some neighbouring municipalities, the Sweden Democrats remain highly popular there, winning 43 per cent in 2022 and more than a third in several districts in the latest election; nationally, the party won 62 of parliament’s 349 seats and placed third.
- Sjöbo rejected refugee arrivals in a controversial 1988 referendum.
- The vote divided residents and attracted Europe-wide attention.
- The town now accepts migrants but strongly backs the Sweden Democrats.
Elections Europe Politics World
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “‘Swedish Piddington’ that BANNED migrants for 13 years: In 1988, Sjobo shocked Europe with a controversial referendum. Nearly 40 years later, many wish the ban they voted for was never lifted”.