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Sweden’s Minister for Migration Johan Forssell said he was “shocked and horrified” to learn that his teenage son had been involved with violent far-right groups.
Forssell, a senior member of the center-right Moderate Party, which governs in coalition with the far-right Sweden Democrats, told reporters Thursday that he was contacted several weeks ago by the Swedish Security Service (Sapo) about the activities of his 16-year-old son.
The revelation came after the anti-racist magazine Expo reported that a close relative of a Swedish government minister had been active in extremist right-wing circles.
Forssell admitted he had been unaware of his son’s involvement, despite following him on social media. He said he only became fully aware of the situation when contacted by journalists, adding that his son had followed far-right figures and influencers online.
“As a father, you’re shocked. You’re horrified,” Forssell said. “He had just turned 16. He was 15 at the time. He is deeply remorseful.” Forssell added that his son had since cut all ties with such groups.
In a social media post, Forssell said the incident highlights “a broader societal issue” and urged other parents to remain vigilant. “How much do we really know about what our children are doing online?” he wrote. “And how can we protect them from being drawn into something we don’t want?”
Authorities say the number of active far-right groups in Sweden is at its highest level since 2008. The Sweden Democrats, whose roots trace back to neo-Nazi movements, became the country’s second-largest party in the last general election and now hold significant influence in shaping government policy.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed continued support for Forssell, saying on Thursday, “When you learn that your child has done something wrong and has been in a bad environment, you act as any responsible parent should.”
However, the opposition Left Party accused Forssell of hypocrisy, citing his past support for lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 14.
“Johan Forssell and the government have taken a very harsh tone when it comes to people’s family members being linked to gang crime,” said Left Party migration spokesperson Tony Haddou. “Now they seem to have a completely different approach.”
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