Sweden's migration minister stunned by son's involvement in far-right activities

Sweden’s Migration Minister Reveals Son’s Far-Right Involvement

Sweden’s migration minister has expressed shock and distress after learning of his teenage son’s participation in far-right extremist circles.

Johan Forssell, whose center-right party leads a ruling coalition that relies on the backing of the far-right Sweden Democrats, confirmed on Thursday that the country’s security service, Säpo, informed him weeks ago about his 16-year-old son’s engagement with such groups.

The minister chose to disclose the information after a magazine focusing on anti-racism reported that a “close family member of a Swedish minister” was linked to violent far-right movements.

Although Forssell followed his son on social media, where the teenager interacted with far-right figures, he stated he was unaware of his son’s involvement until approached by journalists.

“As a father, you're shocked, you're horrified. I have a deeply regretful 15-year-old, who recently turned 16,” Forssell told a news outlet. “These activities have ended, but our discussions will naturally continue.”

In a social media post, he said he hoped the situation would serve as a warning to other parents, emphasizing that it reflects a broader societal concern. “How much do we truly know about our children’s online activities, and how can we shield them from involvement in harmful movements?”

Forssell clarified that his son, whose name has not been disclosed, has not been accused of any illegal acts.

Though far-right extremism has long existed in Sweden, analysts note a recent rise in smaller, more decentralized groups, often centered around fitness culture. These groups frequently recruit boys and young men through social media before shifting to private platforms. The current number of active far-right organizations is reportedly the highest since 2008.

The Sweden Democrats, a party with historical neo-Nazi ties, became Sweden’s second-largest party in the last election and now hold significant influence in the ruling coalition.

Forssell, a member of the Moderates, stated he spoke out to safeguard his son. “This isn’t about protecting me as a politician—it’s about protecting a minor,” he said.

However, the revelation has already sparked political repercussions. Opposition parties have demanded Forssell’s immediate appearance before parliament and questioned how much the government knew about the situation.

Sweden’s prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, expressed continued confidence in Forssell, stating he “acted as any responsible parent should when discovering their child is on the wrong path.”

The Left party criticized Forssell for apparent hypocrisy, given his support for lowering the criminal responsibility age for youth from 15 to 14.

“Forssell and the government have taken a strong stance on relatives’ ties to criminal networks—now their approach seems inconsistent,” a Left party representative said.