The relationship between Sweden and Turkey has taken a serious hit in recent weeks.
Only after a doll of President Erdogan was hung in Stockholm and then in the wake of far-right politician Rasmus Paludan's Koran burning outside the Turkish embassy.
- You let terrorist organizations run amok and then expect support to join NATO.
That will not happen, President Erdogan said on Monday.
Now comes a call from the party that, in government, started the negotiations on Sweden's NATO application with Turkey and Finland.
- It is important from the government's side in a situation like this to act coldly.
Carefully consider the measures and steps to take.
It is also important to have a very close dialogue with Finland and the other NATO countries, says Magdalena Andersson, party leader of the Social Democrats, before she continues:
- And last but not least, I think that Ulf Kristersson should really think through whether SD is the right party to lean on in this situation.
Why?
- Yes, for example the fact that Ulf Kristersson and Jimmie Åkesson are having a war of words about these Koran burnings, it may not be optimal in this situation.
May have unwanted effects
Magdalena Andersson further believes that Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's statement in which he called the suspended doll a "sabotage" against Sweden's NATO application could have unwanted effects.
- Ulf Kristersson stands up for the Swedish freedom of expression legislation, it is important and good.
And he just as I reacted to this, we have had two Swedish politicians who have been murdered in the open street.
But saying it's a "sabotage" can inspire groups to further actions, even though I'm sure the purpose was probably the opposite.
But that's a side note.
When asked if Sweden will become a member of NATO after all this, she answers briefly:
- Yes.
We live up to all formal criteria and the government is working in accordance with the agreement that was concluded this summer, says Magdalena Andersson.