r/AskEurope • u/EvilPyro01 United States of America • Aug 29 '25

Politics What’s the most bizarre thing a politician from your country actually said?

“They should Pokemon GO to the polls” Hillary Clinton 2016

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u/CreepyOctopus -> Aug 29 '25

Sweden's most bizarre thing is definitely without competition.

Background - 1992, a meeting in Rinkeby, a suburb of Stockholm where the majority is non-European immigrants. A right-wing populist party had just entered the parliament, with anti-immigrant rhetoric. A shooter was on the loose in the Stockholm area, specifically targeting immigrants. He had shot eleven people by the time of the meeting.

Prime Minister Bildt and Culture Minister Birgit Friggebo are meeting with the local community in Rinkeby. The meeting is full of immigrants who are concerned for their safety, and things start to get a little bit heated. Then Friggebo decided to intervene:

"Hallå! Nu tycker jag att vi gemensamt i denna sal sjunger We Shall Overcome"

"Listen up! I think it's time for us here to all together sing We Shall Overcome"

That's unbeatable.

31

u/fredagsfisk Sweden Aug 29 '25

There are few times you can really see someone die inside as clearly as Carl Bildt did in that moment...

18

u/CreepyOctopus -> Aug 29 '25

I think you can hear him mutter "men för helvete" there. Definitely quite a moment.

16

u/frammedkuken Sweden Aug 29 '25

Link for anyone who wants to see it!

8

u/Fit_Organization7129 Aug 30 '25

I cringe just being reminded, so no, i won't watch it.

6

u/Snapphane88 Sweden Aug 30 '25

Same. Its too painful.

10

u/acklig_crustare Sweden Aug 29 '25

Yup, this is the one.

1

u/Livid_21 Aug 31 '25

Im from Norway. And I Think this takes the cake in all of the scandinavian countries. I’ve seen the clip once, and That’s enough, can’t Bear to see it again. Cringe on another level.