Sweden Responds to French Report on Muslim Brotherhood Influence

Published on May 30, 2025, at 8:30 PM (Paris) Malmö, Sweden – By Anne-Françoise Hivert

A report released by the French Interior Ministry on May 21, 2025, has sparked significant discussion and concern in Sweden, particularly due to its implications regarding the Muslim Brotherhood's presence in the country. The report, titled "Muslim Brotherhood and Political Islamism in France," highlighted Sweden among other nations as a focal point for assessing the influence of this organization.

Content of the Report

The French report indicates that the Muslim Brotherhood has an active presence not only in France but also in Sweden, the Netherlands, and Denmark. It explicitly states that there is "evidence gathered attesting to the organization’s active presence" in these countries. Notably, Sweden was mentioned frequently, and this has led to extensive media coverage within the nation.

According to the authors, the Swedish branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, while relatively small, is believed to hold considerable sway over the group's European operations. The report suggests that its influence is supported by factors including financial backing from Qatar, Sweden's multicultural policies, and established relationships with local political parties, most notably the Swedish Social Democratic Party (SAP).

Political Reactions in Sweden

The timing of the report coincided with growing scrutiny by Sweden's right-wing government and its far-right allies, who have criticized the SAP for purported connections to the Muslim Brotherhood. This controversy adds another layer to ongoing political debates regarding integration, multiculturalism, and security in Sweden.

In light of the report's publication, the Swedish government has committed to commissioning an in-depth study aimed at understanding the potential implications of Islamist infiltration within various sectors of society. This decision underscores the heightened sensitivity surrounding issues of national security and integration in Sweden, particularly as the country navigates its diverse population and evolving political landscape.

The report has thus become a pivotal point for political discourse, raising questions about the influence of foreign organizations and the responsibilities of political entities within Sweden.

Conclusion

As Sweden prepares to tackle the findings of this report, the implications of the Muslim Brotherhood's presence are being keenly observed both domestically and in broader European contexts. The government's response and the outcomes of any forthcoming assessments will likely shape the political narrative as Sweden continues to address the complexities of social integration and national security in the coming months.