Syriac politician Aday Bethkinne to continue work in Botkyrka Municipality despite leaving Christian Democrats

BOTKYRKA, Sweden — Syriac politician Aday Bethkinne announced that he will continue his duties in Botkyrka Municipality, despite withdrawing from Sweden’s Christian Democrats (Kristdemokraterna, KD).

Bethkinne explained that his decision was not personal but rooted in his commitment to principles he was unwilling to compromise.

“I have done nothing wrong. The Christian Democrats betrayed me. The people elected me to my municipal role, which is my responsibility, and I will continue with it until the next national elections are held,” he declared.

He emphasized that his work in the local community has always been guided by his principles, not by party loyalty. According to Bethkinne, KD’s position on the 1915 Sayfo Genocide and the plight of Christians in the Middle East conflicted with the values he upholds. He argued that the party’s policies had become little more than an empty symbol, stripped of genuine meaning.

Bethkinne stressed that he would remain fully committed to serving the people of Botkyrka, regardless of his party affiliation. “I will persist in efforts to serve residents and carry out my tasks responsibly and faithfully,” he said.

Throughout his political career in Sweden, Bethkinne has gained significant local support. In the most recent municipal elections, he secured 800 personal preference votes, making him the second-most preferred candidate in Botkyrka.

In addition to his council role, he currently serves as Deputy Chair for Education and Schools in Botkyrka and as an official on the Dialogue and Democracy Committee.