Lobbies supporting the Polisario Front fail to disrupt Sweden’s support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative
Attempts led by lobbies advocating for the “separatist Polisario Front” within the Swedish parliament to change the government’s stance on the Western Sahara issue have failed, as Stockholm reaffirms its commitment to the United Nations process and its backing of the Marrakech autonomy initiative as a realistic political solution to the conflict.
Over the past few weeks, a number of MPs loyal to the separatist front have sought to direct formal inquiries to Foreign Minister Maria Malmström, demanding clarification on the government’s position, a move analysts have viewed as an attempt to keep the issue under political and legal pressure. Despite the intensity of these efforts, they have been unsuccessful against the Swedish government’s official position that rejects unilateral solutions and supports a negotiated settlement.
Diplomatic sources have confirmed that the Swedish government has chosen a pragmatic approach, relying on United Nations Security Council resolutions and supporting the efforts of UN envoy Staffan de Mistura, considering the Moroccan autonomy initiative as a “serious and credible negotiating basis” for a fair and lasting political solution. This position is further strengthened by a recent communication between the Swedish minister and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, which showed agreement on the need to maintain the UN process.
Despite the intensive campaign, the lobbies have not succeeded in altering the government’s direction, as Stockholm continues to support realistic and negotiated solutions, bolstered by growing endorsement from European diplomatic circles, affirming that separatist rhetoric has lost its resonance within official decision-making circles.
