Member of Parliament Gulan Avci Selected as Liberal Party Candidate for Stockholm Mayor in Upcoming Election

Gulan Avci replaces Jan Jönsson as the Liberal Party top candidate for Stockholm mayor. Avci moves from parliament to the municipal stage for the next election.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 6:49 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Sweden Herald

A New Direction for Stockholm Liberals

Gulan Avci has been formally appointed as the lead candidate on the Liberal Party municipal list for the city of Stockholm. This selection positions her as the party primary contender for the mayoralty in the next election cycle, a role that carries significant weight in the administration of the Swedish capital. Avci brings a wealth of political experience to the local ticket, having served a lengthy tenure within the national legislature. Her move to the municipal level is viewed by political analysts as an attempt to stabilize the party local branch during a period of transition and internal debate.

The Departure of a Longstanding Opposition Figure

The vacancy on the municipal list was created by the exit of Jan Jönsson, the current opposition mayor for the Liberals in Stockholm. Jönsson had previously confirmed that he would not seek another term in office, citing a fundamental disagreement with the party strategic trajectory. Specifically, he noted the Liberals' recent shift toward closer cooperation with the Sweden Democrats as a primary factor in his decision to step down. This ideological friction has prompted a reshuffling of leadership within the city hall ranks as the party prepares to present a new face to the Stockholm electorate.

Transitioning from the National Legislative Stage

Avci’s move to the municipal race follows her January announcement that she would not pursue another term in the Swedish Parliament. Having served for eight years as a prominent member of parliament, her departure from the Riksdag marked the end of a significant chapter in her career. However, her decision to pivot toward the Stockholm municipal list suggests a continued commitment to public service through a more localized executive lens. By stepping into the top spot on the list, she aims to leverage her national profile to maintain the party influence within the city complex governance structure.