Johan Pehrson, leader of Sweden’s Liberal Party and current education minister, announced on Tuesday that he was stepping down from both posts, saying he wanted to give the new leader enough time to revive the party ahead of the 2026 general election, Euractiv reports.
Pehrson has led the Liberals since April 2022, guiding them through the 2022 elections into a minority coalition government with the centre-right, with external support from the Sweden Democrats.
However, support for the party is declining, and in recent polls it stands at 2.8%, below the 4% threshold needed for representation in parliament.
Internal divisions over the party’s relationship with the Sweden Democrats have further complicated its position.
Although the Sweden Democrats outwardly support the coalition, the Liberals have publicly opposed their inclusion in a future government.
Pehrson will remain in office until the Liberal Party conference on June 24, when his successor is expected to be appointed.
