Swedish activist reflects on iconic anti-Nazi protest a decade later
Tess Asplund, who became famous for confronting a neo-Nazi march in 2016, says the far right has become normalized in Sweden. She expresses fear and shame over the country's political shift, as the Sweden Democrats are expected to gain significant support in upcoming elections. Asplund's protest is now seen as a symbol of resistance, but she laments the change in public sentiment.
The iconic photograph was taken by David Lagerlöf of Expo, an anti-racism foundation, during a 1 May 2016 rally in Borlänge against the Nordic Resistance Movement. Swedish media compared it to a 1985 image by Hans Runesson, showing a woman striking a skinhead with her handbag in Växjö. Asplund faced a wave of international media requests and public gratitude, but also endured online harassment and death threats at her home.
A decade later, the political landscape has shifted dramatically. The Sweden Democrats, a party with neo-Nazi roots, finished second in the 2022 election and now holds leverage in a minority coalition. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson recently suggested the far right could join government outright if his coalition wins the 13 September vote, a watershed moment in Swedish politics.
This story could resonate well beyond Sweden, serving as a cautionary example of how fringe movements become mainstream through incremental political acceptance. Voters in other European nations may see parallels with their own far-right parties gaining legitimacy. Asplund's personal fear and shame reflect broader anxieties among minority communities, who may feel increasingly vulnerable as anti-immigrant rhetoric enters mainstream discourse. The image's enduring power could inspire continued resistance, but also highlights how quickly public sentiment can shift when political leaders normalize previously unacceptable views.