Swedish Christian had to change view to get political job

As the Centre Party's Group leader in the Riksdag, the Swedish parliament, Daniel Bäckström is one of the top candidates to succeed Annie Lööf as leader of the liberal party. Lööf stepped down after disappointing results in the September 2022 elections. However, his chance to become a party leader became smaller when he was asked about LGBT issues.

On a joint tour with the two other candidates for the top job, the three were asked on Monday whether they would join a Pride Parade and marry same-sex couples. Where the two other candidates did not have any problems with it, Bäckström, active within the Church of Sweden, seemed reluctant. "I have to think about the question. And I will have a dialogue with the party leadership", he said, according to Aftondbladet.

A few hours later, after a media storm broke out, Bäckström reversed in his tracks. In a Facebook post, the 47-year-old claimed that participation in the Pride Parade has long been a priority issue. "It goes without saying that a party leader in the Center Party joins. Especially in times that get darker."

Inner compass

Daniel Bäckström grew up in a Christian home, went to Sunday school and attended many Christian camps as a child. He has always believed in God, but at the turn of the millennium began a time when it deepened, writes the Christian daily Dagen. "It has shaped me a lot. I gained a clear inner compass to sense what is and is not important."

The fact that he has been open about his faith has not meant any problems in politics. "I have always been met with respect. But it is important not to enter politics based on a Christian agenda. If you can't manage to argue based on factual issues, it doesn't work. My Christian perspective is a way of life and shapes my values."