Åkesson on freedom of demonstration: "Should we move Annie Lööf's election meetings?"

The debate was based on a statement made by Annie Lööf in the SvD podcast Utfrågningen - where she emphasized that it should be clarified when the police can deny demonstrations permission.

- Yes, you can demonstrate, but you must not do it in this exposed area or during Ramadan, Lööf said as an example in the podcast.

The background to the statements is the Koran burning that the police gave permission for during the Easter weekend - something that was followed by violent riots in several cities.

"Must be able to move"

When the issue was debated in Aktuellt, however, she emphasized that the Center Party does not want to restrict the freedom of demonstration - but to use existing legislation.

- In Swedish legislation today, you can move demonstrations by the police, or set them at other times, with regard to public order.

The police have also done this recently, including when a Koran burning was moved from Landskrona to Malmö, Lööf emphasized.

- We think it should be possible to move on demonstration trains and move on time.

"Shall we move to Annie Lööf's election meetings?"

She was opposed by Jimmie Åkesson, who believes that this is the wrong way to go and that the police's opportunities to protect expressions of opinion should instead be strengthened.

- It is a life-threatening development if we are to start moving to legal demonstrations and demonstrations because there are perpetrators of violence.

Should we move Annie Lööf's election meetings so that left-wing extremists come and throw stones and destroy?

I do not think so, said the SD leader.

- It is completely unreasonable, then we are on a sloping plane.

"Must be able to shoot sharply if required"

The party leaders also discussed Ebba Busch's statement about the police efforts in connection with the riots - when she questioned why the police did not shoot sharply at rioters.

- When the police are forced to back down, it is really, really bad.

Then the rule of law is seriously threatened and then the police must be able to fire sharply if necessary, Åkesson said.

Annie Lööf (C) says that she wants to "back up the police" and that they are the ones to assess when lethal violence is required.

- They are the ones who will make these decisions.