The Sweden Democrat’s leader, Jimmie Åkesson, wrote in an open letter on Oct. 17 that he is taking an indefinite sick leave. He has been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and will be away from work at least until the end of November.
During the time that led up to the election, people around Åkesson noticed his condition, aware that he was working very intensively and under a lot of pressure for a long time; they encouraged him to get help. Åkesson’s press secretary Henrik Vinge says, “The important thing is that Jimmie is restored. I do not know how long it will take.” It remains unclear who will take over his role as party leader.