Strong support for the right to protest, even when it is questioned

Contemporary challenges

In recent years, the right to demonstrate in Sweden has been a topic for political debate, often linked to specific events and groups, such as Qur’an burnings, pro-Kurdish activism and protests against Israel that are associated with demonstrations in support of Palestine.

In these contexts, arguments about safety and public order have been used to justify proposed restrictions.

“It is rarely a matter of questioning the right to demonstrate in general, rather that specific protests or groups are singled out as problematic,” says Wennerhag.

Given this background, the researchers wanted to investigate how Swedes view demonstrations and the right to protest.

Political participation between elections

The report examines demonstrations in relation to other forms of political participation. Voting is the most common form of participation, but this only occurs every fourth year and is limited to those eligible to vote.

“What happens between elections? Demonstrations are one means of political participation,” says Wennerhag.

In the responses to the research platform’s questions in a national survey, eight per cent say they participated in a demonstration in the past year. In total, 31 per cent have participated in a demonstration at some point. Also, 44 per cent say they can see themselves participating in a demonstration, although they have not yet done so.

Widespread support but differing patterns

Support for the right to protest is very strong across the whole population. Nine out of ten agree that the right to protest is fundamental to democracy, and there are few differences between social and political groups.

“What stands out is just how widespread this support is. Regardless of political affiliation or social background, there is strong support for the principle of the right to protest,” says Wennerhag.

At the same time, there are differences in who actually participates in demonstrations. Women are now more likely to than men, which represents a clear change over time. City dwellers, the highly educated, party members, those born abroad and those with left-wing views are also more likely to participate.

What is shown in the media and what is not

One section of the report analyses the protests that were reported in the national media between 2022 and 2025, where there was a clear focus on Stockholm and on protests that were perceived to be topical or spectacular.

“The media narrative says something about what becomes visible at national level, but not necessarily about where the commitment lies. In smaller towns and in rural areas there are often fewer demonstrations, which naturally affects participation,” says Wennerhag.

Peaceful protests dominate

Their work shows that the climate movement and the Palestinian movement were those the national media reported on most during the period. News coverage is also dominated by conventional and peaceful protests, while violent incidents are very rare.

“There is no evidence to suggest that protests today are any more violent than they used to be. On the contrary, peaceful forms of protest are by far the most common,” says Wennerhag.

Overall, the report shows that political demonstrations are an established part of Swedish democracy, even at a time when the right to protest is being called into question.

Protestbarometern 2026