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Brexit has become an example to follow for right-wing Sweden Democrats (SD)’s leader Jimmie Åkesson, who urged Swedish MPs to give citizens a chance to express how they feel towards Europe. Speaking to local newspaper Dagens Industri, he called the EU a “large web of corruption” and said in the bloc, “no one has control over anything”. Arguing Stockholm should get back control of its sovereignty and funds, he added: "We pay an enormous amount of money and get overwhelmingly little back. “But the main reason is ideological: we should not be in an ideological union."

Eurosceptic leader Jimmie Åkesson called for an EU referendum in Sweden

We pay an enormous amount of money and get overwhelmingly little back. But the main reason is ideological: we should not be in an ideological union Jimmie Åkesson, leader of SD

Jimmie Åkesson also said the budget black hole left by Brexit will force Sweden to further disbursements. This is not the first time a Swedish political leader calls for an EU referendum. Peter Lundgren, MEP for Sweden and leading member of the SD, predicted the exit of the European Union for Sweden after Brexit one year ago. The country is to hold a general election in September 2018, when his party, according to recent polls, is expected to become the second largest force. Mr Åkesson’s wish is to call for a referendum after the vote to maximise the support in parliament for a possible ‘Swexit’, the exit of Sweden from the European Union.

Jimmie Åkesson called the EU a 'large web of corruption'

However, Mr Åkesson’s call is already facing a stark opposition from the government. Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström, of the ruling Social Democratic party, tweeted to say leaving the EU would damage Sweden and his “ordinary citizens”. She wrote: “The proposal of Åkesson’s SD party would harm Sweden and bring insecurity to ordinary citizens. “In today’s uncertain world, more cooperation is needed, not less. “That is something this government is standing up for.”

Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström said an EU referendum would harm Swedish people