Sweden Maria Malmer Stenergard becomes Swedish Foreign Minister

Sweden's former Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard is to become the country's new Foreign Minister. This was announced by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at the opening of the new parliamentary year after the summer break in the Stockholm Riksdag.

A few days ago, the previous Foreign Minister Tobias Billström had surprisingly announced his resignation and his complete departure from politics.

Like Kristersson and Billström, Malmer Stenergard is a member of the conservative party The Moderates. The party has governed Sweden for almost two years together with the Christian Democrats and the Liberals. This minority government is supported by the right-wing populist Sweden Democrats. Although the party is officially outside the government, it has a say in many political measures and helps the government gain majorities in parliament. Among other things, this has led to a tougher migration policy.

43-year-old Malmer Stenergard has been responsible for migration and asylum since the minority government took office in October 2022. Prior to that, she was a member of the Swedish parliament for eight years. Her party colleague Johan Forssell, who was previously Minister for Development Aid, will now be the new Migration Minister.