2025 was a turbulent year in many ways. Democracy and popular movements are under systematic attack – in the world, in Europe and increasingly also in Sweden. We see how right-wing authoritarian forces step by step move the boundaries of what is acceptable in a democratic society.
In Sweden, the Tidö government has also taken clear steps in that direction. By making civil society suspicious, cutting public education and changing aid policy, it is difficult for trade union and democratic movements to operate – both here at home and globally.
We at Palmecentret have already been affected of their systematic work. When the Minister for International Development this year excluded us from the task of supporting trade unions and civil society around the world, it was not a neutral act. It was a direct attack on the solidarity work of the labor movement.
It strikes at people like Marites, a Filipino migrant worker who received legal support to claim unpaid monthly wages. Or Palestinian Yusra and Huda who learned to sew clothes in a bombed-out Gaza as a possible source of income.
It is about farm workers organizing for better working conditions in Zimbabwe. Textile workers in North Macedonia. Women’s organizations in southern Africa that help abused women and children. Young environmental defenders in the Amazon. And human rights organizations in Turkey. To name a few examples.
And we know it’s connected. That when the right to organize is threatened, the media is silenced and civil society is pushed back, worse working conditions and increased divides follow. For every human rights fighter and trade union leader imprisoned and silenced in other parts of the world, our own opportunities to defend democracy and decent conditions are also weakened.
Our answer must therefore be clear: we are not backing down. We must together stand up against the attempts at division by right-wing authoritarian forces. Here at home and globally. It is not only about the lives of others, but also about our common future.
So many thanks to you who have been with us during the year. Who are monthly donors or have given gifts. Which has started a fundraiser at annual meetings and congresses. Who has written a submission or post in social media. Which has pepped up in the comment field. Your support for Palmecentret’s solidarity work is invaluable so that we can continue to operate. And it is power and energy that we take with us into the new year.
For the solution to the authoritarian development, it is spelled solidarity.
Happy New Year!
– Oscar Ernerotgeneral secretary of the Olof Palme International Center
