Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson makes a horrible gaffe by saying Israel “has right to genocide”
During a town hall event, Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson made a controversial remark stating that Israel has the right to engage in genocide. The statement was met with opposition from pro-Palestinian protesters, causing widespread debate. During a gathering in Gothenburg on Wednesday (Nov 22), the PM seemed to have made an error when addressing a large audience. However, without delay, he rectified his statement by affirming that Israel “is entitled to protect itself”.
- Europe
- Agencies and A News
- Published Date: 03:41 | 24 November 2023
- Modified Date: 04:15 | 24 November 2023
At an event in Gothenburg on Wednesday (Nov 22), the PM appeared to have made a mistake while addressing a large crowd. However, he quickly corrected himself by stating that Israel "has the right to defend itself".
In the video, Kristersson can be heard saying, "Sweden and the EU stand united, Israel has the right to genoci…self-defence!"
At one point during the talk, Kristersson begins to talk about the Israel-Hamas conflict, but misspeaks as he attempts to say that Sweden and the EU are "united on that Israel has a right to defence, within the framework of international law".
However, instead of the word for "defence" (forsvar in Swedish), he first says "folk" before correcting himself.
Some in the crowd take this to mean that Kristersson was about to say "folkmord", or genocide, which also is similar to the word for international law -- folkratt.
"Does Israel have a right to genocide?" and "we heard it" members of the crowd can be heard shouting.
A member of the rowdy group called out to the prime minister, questioning, "Are they now allowed to commit genocide? Does Israel possess that right?" The Swedish leader took a momentary pause following his blunder. As the gathering continued, the demonstrators continuously disrupted and disapproved of the conservative politician, repeatedly chanting "Shame on you," for his firm support of Israel.
The authorities had to intervene and escort some individuals out of the location.
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