The Örebro Party’s success in Örebro could also have implications for Swedish nicotine policy. If the party wins a seat in the Riksdag, Social Democrat Karin Sundin – one of the Riksdag’s most outspoken advocates for stricter regulations on white snus and e-cigarettes – could lose her seat.
The local elections in Örebro could have major consequences for nicotine policy in Sweden. This is the view of the newspaper Nikotinnytt, as the growing success of the Örebro Party could oust one of Sweden’s most vocal opponents of nicotine, Karin Sundin, from her seat in the Riksdag.
“If the Örebro Party secures a seat in the Riksdag from Örebro County, it is unclear which party will lose that seat. However, it could be one of the Social Democrats” three seats that is lost. If the party were to win only two seats, this would also mean that MP Karin Sundin (S) would lose her seat,” writes the newspaper
Opinions are divided on nicotine
The Social Democrats are currently somewhat divided in their views, particularly regarding nicotine pouches, or ‘white snus’ as it is often called. Whilst Karin Sundin and politicians working on health issues have consistently advocated a ban on new nicotine products such as e-cigarettes and white snus, politicians involved in trade union and economic affairs have highlighted white snus as an important asset, both as an export product and as a key alternative to cigarettes.
The Örebro Party is clearly in favour of snus
It is therefore unclear how the Social Democrats would respond to future bans and restrictions. However, according to Nikotinnytt, Karin Sundin’s possible removal from the Riksdag could play a significant role, particularly if she is replaced by the Örebro Party’s lead candidate, Markus Allard.
“The Örebro Party is one of the few that has actually raised the issue of snus during the election campaign, and the party wants to abolish the tax on snus,” notes Nikotinnytt.
