Johan Pehrson, leader of Sweden’s Liberal Party and current minister of education, announced today that he is stepping down from both positions, saying he wants to give a new leader enough time to revive the party ahead of the 2026 general election.
Pehrson has led the Liberals since April 2022, steering them through the 2022 elections into a minority centre-right coalition government with the Moderate Party, with external support from the far-right Sweden Democrats.
However, the party’s support has been dwindling, most recently polling at 2.8%, below the 4% threshold required for parliamentary representation.
Internal divisions over the party’s relationship with the far-right Sweden Democrats have further complicated its position.
While the Sweden Democrats outwardly support the coalition, the Liberals have publicly opposed their inclusion in a future government.
Pehrson will remain in his role until the Liberal Party conference on 24 June, when a successor is expected to be appointed.