Swedish deputy PM sorry for saying: ‘Mediterranean turning into new Auschwitz’
Sweden’s deputy prime minister has apologised for comparing the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean to the horrors of the Holocaust.
In a televised party leader debate, Asa Romson deplored the desperate situation of migrants trying to make the perilous and often deadly crossing to Europe, saying: “We are … turning the Mediterranean into the new Auschwitz.”
Critics, including Jewish leaders, called the comparison to the Nazi death camp misguided and offensive. About 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, were killed in Auschwitz during World War II.
Ms Romson, who represents the Green Party, apologised on Twitter, saying: “It was wrong to make the comparison with Auschwitz.”
Swedish news agency TT said Ms Romson also called the head of Stockholm’s Jewish community to say she regretted her choice of words.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
