Turkish-origin politician forms Migrant Party in Sweden

By Atila Altuntas

STOCKHOLM (AA) – A Swedish politician of Turkish origin, expelled earlier from the Center Party has formed the Migrant Party.

Talking to Anadolu Agency, Yuksel said his party will represent migrants.

He said for the first time such a party has been formed in Sweden.

Yuksel said he was on top of the list of candidates the Center Party had drawn for Sweden's second largest city Goteborg, before the general elections, held in September last year.

"However, I was dismissed from the party before the elections, because I did not speak against Turkey or President Erdogan,” he claimed.

Yuksel said those against Turkey find a place in Swedish politics easily.

Yuksel’s party has applied for the registration with the election authority of Sweden, in order to contest the next local election.

"We want Islamophobia to be declared a crime. We want Muslims to be recognized as a minority in the constitution," said Yuksel, while spelling out an agenda of his party.

He said many Muslim politicians, academics and activists have joined his party, which received racial attacks soon after its formation.

* Writing by Fatih Hafiz Mehmet in Ankara.