Sweden's Centre Party Convenes in Karlstad to Elect New Leader and Debate Future Policy

Centre Party Congress Underway in Karlstad

The Swedish Centre Party (Centerpartiet) commenced its ordinary congress today, November 13, 2025, in Karlstad. The four-day event, running until November 16, is set to address crucial party matters, including the election of a new leader and the adoption of new policy positions. The congress is being held at Karlstad CCC.

Leadership Transition and New Candidate

A significant item on the agenda is the election of a new party leader. This follows the resignation of Anna-Karin Hatt in mid-October, who cited 'hatred and threats' as reasons for stepping down. Hatt had been unanimously elected as party leader at an extraordinary congress on May 3, 2025, succeeding Muharrem Demirok.

The party's nominating committee has put forward Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist as its proposed candidate for the leadership role. Thand Ringqvist, currently a Member of Parliament, vice group leader, and spokesperson for business policy, has outlined her primary focus areas as jobs and economy, green growth, and freedom issues.

Debating Key Policy Directions for the 2030s

Delegates at the Karlstad congress will also engage in extensive debates and voting on new policy issues designed to shape the Centre Party's political platform for the 2030s. These proposals, presented on October 22, 2025, address four major societal challenges identified by the party: school, growth, climate, and preparedness.

Specific policy areas under discussion include:

• Climate: Proposals aim to combine climate transition with economic development, advocating for climate requirements in public procurement, the phasing out of fossil subsidies, and strengthened incentives for green innovation.
• Jobs and Economy: The party seeks to tackle unemployment and support small and new businesses by lowering barriers to employment.
• Education: Discussions will focus on addressing disparities in the school system and improving teacher qualifications across the country.
• National Preparedness: In response to an uncertain global environment, the Centre Party aims to strengthen Sweden's total defense capability.
• Rural Development: Policies are also being considered to ensure welfare functions in rural areas, establish a fairer equalization system, and ensure that property tax from electricity-producing facilities remains local.

In addition to these overarching programs, the congress will review and vote on 533 motions submitted by party members.

Significance of the Congress

The congress began at 2:00 PM with a keynote speech from outgoing leader Anna-Karin Hatt, followed by a press conference. The decisions made in Karlstad are expected to provide a clear political direction and serve as a crucial launchpad for the Centre Party's future electoral campaigns. The entire congress, including a Saturday evening banquet, is open to media.