Linus Lakso is the chairman of the Green Party's executive committee and the party's spokesman on energy policy. He has also been a full member of parliament since the 2022 elections. Now he hopes to take the next step by running for the position of spokesperson.
The Swedish Greens, like many other green parties around the world, do not have a party leader in the traditional sense. The party is represented by two spokespeople, always one male and one female. The current spokespersons are Per Bolund and Märta Stenevi.
–The Green Party has an incredibly important role to play in Swedish politics due to the urgent climate crisis. I believe I can contribute with a positive image of the party and a strong competence in climate, environment and energy. Having grown up in the countryside, I can also show that we care about and understand the conditions in the whole country, he says.
In addition to Lakso, the other candidates are Pär Holmgren, Daniel Helldén, Martin Marmgren, Magnus P. Wåhlin, Torbjörn Nilsson, Carl Ståhle, Henrik Ölvebo and Henrik Blind. Within the Green Party it is common for politicians to publicly announce their candidacy - this differs from some other parties where the process is more secretive.
– There are many good candidates, but I think I have a chance, Lakso says.
The Green Youth Organization believes that it would be better to have one party leader instead of two spokespersons. They argue that the media landscape has changed so much that a clear voice is needed.
But Lakso prefers to keep the current system.
– It reflects our fundamental aspiration for a gender-equal society and shows that we are unique, he says.
The decision on who will be the new spokesperson will be made at the annual congress in Örebro on November 17-19.