As recently as November, Peter Hultqvist flatly said no to NATO, but Russia's invasion of Ukraine has put an end to everything.

The so-called Hultqvist doctrine, which has been about being as close to NATO as possible without being a member, may soon be a thing of the past.

People with transparency say that there has been a shift in attitudes towards NATO.

And several political opponents such as the Politburo have said that Peter Hultqvist is in fact closer to NATO than is known.

 - When you listen to Peter Hultqvist, you suspect that there is a more friendly relationship for NATO than the one that his party in general represents, says Allan Widman (L) member of the Defense Committee. 

"Afraid of him" 

At the same time, a secret game is going on behind the scenes in the ruling Social Democrats.

As recently as today, the party board called for a decisive meeting on the issue, Aftonbladet reports.

The meeting will take place on 24 May. 

Tough negotiations are now awaiting and the sources with whom the Politburo has spoken describe Peter Hultqvist, called by some as the "hulk", as a tough and good negotiator who, on the other hand, does not always give concrete information. 

- He can be upset if you interrupt him in the middle of a sentence.

I probably think that his political opponents are afraid of him because he is so powerful and cruel, says Blerta Hoti (S), former expert at the Minister of Defense. 

According to Kristoffer Törnmalm, political reporter at SVT who spoke to several sources within S, the party wants to avoid an internal tug-of-war in the NATO issue. 

- This will be Sweden's biggest decision since we joined the EU and the swing that seems to be on its way has taken place in just a few weeks, says Kristoffer Törnmalm. 

- That you have this dialogue in the party is so that it will not be a battle, you want to anchor the process.

However, the party leadership has a heavy mandate in the issue.

But it is clear that Peter Hultqvist will not be completely satisfied if we join NATO. 

Löfven's statement rooted in the party 

Göran Persson, Mona Sahlin and Margot Wallström are some S-profiles who have commented on the issue.

Most people, however, raised their eyebrows when Magdalena Andersson's representative Stefan Löfven spoke. 

The Politburo can, however, say that Stefan Löfven had anchored his proposal in the party.

The purpose should have been to start the discussion and give the NATO opponents in the party confidence. 

The Politburo has contacted Peter Hultqvist, who declined to comment.

The season premiere of Politikbyrån, "Mr. Njato", is about Peter Hultqvist, the Social Democrats and NATO and is broadcast on SVT Play 19.30.

This means a NATO membership - in five points

  • Protection

    32 sec

  • Obligations

    36 sec

  • Who is in charge?

    31 sec

  • Application

    32 sec

  • Cost

    22 sec