Election watch: Il Manifesto is here

You can read my editorial about the last days in Swedish politics here, and a longer analysis here [both in Swedish].

My main argument in the editorial is that opposition leader Reinfeldt really has had a terrible week, and if a leading Social Democratic politician committed all those mistakes in a few days, (s)he would be nailed and fried by Swedish media.

I also argue that since the election manifesto was clear from an ideological standpoint, and not too abundant, Reinfeldt gets more problems since: a) the difference between the political alternatives becomes clearer and b) the opposition’s program is over-reaching and short-sighted (Reinfeldt promises both reforms and tax cuts, and the right-wing opposition only have agreements for the first year).

In the analysis I argue that the manifesto fits well into the broader Social Democratic ideology and political message in this campaign (basically: we have a red ideology about equality, a green vision for the future, a contract for the labor market through the trade unions, a global responsibility for developing countries, and a history of being prudent with the nation’s finances).

Since Reinfeldt had a bad week, the Social Democratic party now has a window of opportunity to get its message across to the voters. The question now is how many voters who will come through that window.