This is how young politicians think about imprints on social media

On Tuesday, several media outlets published a picture in which Minister of Civil Affairs Ida Karkiainen (S) looks to make a Hitler salute.

The picture was taken during Karkiainen's adolescence, and she herself has told SVT that she has no memory of the picture and that she does not in any way sympathize with Nazism.

The reporting has put the finger on how young politicians, who have grown up with an Internet presence, see that disadvantageous images or films of them can be spread much later in their careers.

"Should be able to be young and stupid"

SSU's chairman Lisa Nåbo believes that today's 15–16-year-olds have a greater awareness that what is on the internet also lives on - but at the same time says that she does not want to see a development where young politicians become too cautious.

- I hope that this is not where we are going, that you have been a political broiler since you were 12 years old to be involved in governing the country.

You should be able to be young and stupid too, she says.

SSU's union president Lisa Nåbo.

Photo: Adam Ihse / TT

Do not think you have become more careful

SDU's youth union chairman Tobias Andersson does not think that today's young people have become more cautious.

- On the other hand, I think that my youth generation is the last where old party pictures are held against one.

I think that if you wind up the time 20-30 years, there will be less flattering pictures of everyone who makes a career in both the private and public sector.

Then it will probably have ebbed out a bit and not be the same explosive at all, he says.

Luf's President Romina Pourmokhtari is critical of the Minister of Civil Affairs' actions.

She believes that as an elected politician, you must be aware that you always have your eyes on you.

- It is not an ordinary job quite simply and I think that you as a minister should agree with that.

And also to a certain extent as an elected representative in a youth union.

You must behave in all circumstances, otherwise you are not suited to be the people's representative.