The Swedish government opposes holding a referendum on NATO membership, Sveriges Radio reports, citing Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Foreign Minister Ann Linde.
“I don’t think this question is suitable for a referendum,” Andersson said at a press conference.
According to her, the issue of joining the North Atlantic alliance includes classified information that cannot be discussed openly. Therefore, the decision must be made by the Riksdag (Swedish Parliament. – Ed.).
Foreign Minister Ann Linde agreed with the head of the Cabinet and added that such issues are rarely submitted to a referendum. The diplomat also pointed out the negative consequences of such a vote, which will lead to the polarization of the population.
Against the background of the Russian special operation in Ukraine, Finland and Sweden started talking regarding the possibility of abandoning their long-term neutrality and subsequent entry into NATO. Alliance Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg advocated the accession of the Nordic countries, expressing his readiness to provide them with the possibility of a quick entry.
The Kremlin called the entry of Sweden and Finland into NATO an existential threat to the country.