Volkswacht Bodensee - Thousands expected at Sweden climate demo as election looms

Since taking power in 2022, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's right-wing government, backed by the populist Sweden Democrats party, has cut petrol taxes and reduced requirements for petrol suppliers to add low-carbon alternatives to their mix.

Experts both in Sweden and abroad have repeatedly warned that the government's climate policy jeopardises the country's emissions-cutting goals -- to reduce CO2 from transport by 70 percent from 2010 levels by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.

Kristersson's administration has notably rejected a government-appointed commission's recommendations on ways to meet the 2030 target, which included phasing out fossil fuels by hiking taxes on petrol and diesel.

"The climate crisis is very real, and it is here," said Beatrice Rindevall, head of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, which is co-organising Sunday's demonstration.

"It is time to put in place a climate policy that reduces emissions right now," she added in a statement, pointing to this summer's devastating heatwaves in Europe.

Swedes go to the polls to elect a new parliament on September 13, with the right-wing bloc trailing in opinion polls.

More than 200 non-governmental organisations and associations are expected to take part in Sunday's march, which is due to start at 1:00 pm (1100 GMT).

It will bring together researchers, youth and sports associations, trade unions, outdoor and rural organisations, religious communities, and rights groups.

"Never before have so many organisations taken part in a Swedish climate demonstration," Rindevall said. "The commitment is massive."

According to a Verian opinion poll published by public broadcaster SVT on Thursday, 37 percent of respondents said the climate was their top priority in the election, behind only health care, education, crime and elderly care.

The government has argued that the phase-out of fossil fuels must be gradual in order to preserve and strengthen Sweden's competitiveness and its companies.

M.Betschart--VB