Sparks fly in first Left- Sweden Democrat duel

[pampango]

Source: The Local

Left Party leader Lars Ohly and his Sweden Democrat counterpart Jimmie Åkesson sparred over immigration and other issues in their first debate on Thursday.

The two party leaders, who have rarely had kinds words for one another, didn’t sit in the same room for the debate, but were linked via satellite by Sveriges Radio (SR) for the Thursday afternoon session, which began with Ohly calling the Sweden Democrats a “racist party” which “is pulling society apart”.

“One must be able to criticize certain cultures and cultural expressions without it being called racist,” countered Åkesson.

Refugee and immigration issued dominated the discussion. And neither party leader was able to find much common ground with the other’s views. “You want to stop people from being reunited with the people they love. That’s among the most offensive things I can imagine,” said Ohly.

Read more: http://www.thelocal.se/29494/20101008/

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Looks like the left is still going after the Sweden Democrats even now that they are represented in parliament.

[bemildred]

1. Fascinating.

“One must be able to criticize certain cultures and cultural expressions without it being called racist,” countered Åkesson.

Why must one, Mr Åkesson?

[fascisthunter]

2. good find

[alp227]

3. Perhaps there's a difference between constructive criticism and personal attack? n/t

[bemildred]

4. Right, and I'm only trying to help Mr Åkesson. nt