Liberal Party leader and Minister for Employment and Integration, Johan Pehrson, has spoken with Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Åkesson about Richard Jomshof. However, Pehrson no longer demands any guarantees from the SD leader. He believes it is up to the voters to consider whether they want a person who takes responsibility for Sweden or someone who behaves in the way Jomshof does. Pehrson had initially expressed concerns about Jomshof’s comments referring to the Prophet Muhammad as a ”mass murderer, robber and slave trader” given the sensitive security situation. However, Pehrson now says he does not expect any guarantees from Åkesson and acknowledges that no party leader can guarantee the actions of all their representatives in the parliament or members. Pehrson also believes that the liberal role is not to silence every person associated with the Sweden Democrats in parliament. He emphasizes that being a liberal anchor means focusing on things that are important to liberal voters, such as defending freedom of speech while also showing responsibility in a critical situation. Richard Jomshof has stated in a TV interview that he does not regret his statement and will continue to defend his freedom of speech. Pehrson believes he is right to defend his freedom of speech and does not comment on whether it is appropriate for Jomshof to criticize Islam in the current situation.
