In the days leading up to the 2026 legislative elections, Swedish political parties engaged in a heated debate over migration policies on Sunday, September 6, during a live broadcast by public television SVT. According to Dagens Nyheter, a liberal newspaper that is part of the current government coalition since late 2022, migration has shifted from being a political strength for the outgoing right-wing government to a sensitive and controversial issue. The newspaper noted that the government is now facing criticism and is on the defensive regarding its policies on migration. Recent actions taken by the government, including the expulsion of young Swedish citizens of immigrant origin who have been integrated into society, have led to a noticeable decline in public support. These measures, once seen as necessary by the government, have now sparked widespread criticism, even among members of the right-wing coalition. The backlash has been so strong that the current conservative government, led by Ulf Kristersson, has decided to pause these expulsions for the duration of the election campaign. The Swedish Democrats (SD), a far-right party and key ally in the minority governing coalition, have pushed for stricter rules regarding the granting of residence permits and entry into the country. This has led to a hardening of the government's stance on immigration, despite the growing public discontent. The SD's influence has been significant in shaping the coalition's approach to migration, even as the broader public and parts of the right-wing alliance express concern over the policies' impact. The debate over migration has become a central issue in the run-up to the elections, highlighting the challenges faced by the current government in balancing strict immigration policies with public opinion. As the election campaign progresses, the government's ability to manage this contentious topic will be closely watched by voters and political observers alike.