• Sweden edition
Politics

Moderate politician called Pekgul 'clapping Turk'

Published: 26 Aug 12 10:49 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/42832/20120826/

The Moderate Party’s social media manager Thomas Böhlmark called the former Social Democratic politician Nalin Pekgul ”clapping Turk” on Twitter, and has now been relieved of his responsibilities.

Böhlmark is one of the Moderates’ political secretaries, and the person in charge of the Moderate Party's official Twitter account.

“We’re now starting a discussion about what his role should be in future,” said the party’s press secretary Jesper Wigardt to the TT news agency.

The incident occurred during an online discussion with party colleagues, on Böhlmark’s private Twitter account. He wrote “clapping Turk” in reference to the Social Democrat Nalin Pekgul.

The response was immediate, and newspaper Dagens Nyheter reported that several people immediately demanded his resignation. Böhlmark himself removed the comment, and wrote an apology on Twitter.

“Noted that people didn’t like a tweet. Removed it and apologize,” and “All representatives for Moderates acting in social media are faces outward. Understand outrage and apologize.”

“It was inappropriately written. He didn’t mean anything offensive by it, but it went very wrong,” said Wigardt.

Nalin Pekgul has previously been called “clapping Turk” in racist discussions on the Internet, and the derogatory term originated from a video of her applauding former Social Democratic party leader Mona Sahlin in 2010.

TT/Clara Guibourg (news@thelocal.se)

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

Your comments about this article:

The comments below have not been moderated in advance and are not produced by The Local unless clearly stated. Readers are responsible for the content of their own comments. Comments that breach our terms and conditions will be removed.

12:04 August 26, 2012 by Svensksmith
Better than being called a Turk with clap.
12:13 August 26, 2012 by Frobobbles
Is it really so insulting to be taken for a Turk? Any Turks out there than want to comment?
12:19 August 26, 2012 by StockholmSam
He should lose his job immediately because he is obviously unqualified to uphold the duties of his post in a professional manner.
14:13 August 26, 2012 by Youdee
Pekgul has said some unkind things about certain people living in certain parts of Stockholm. I didn't LIKE what she said, but calling her what he called her is totally unacceptable (considering all the GOOD things that she has tried to accomplish). I wish ALL politicians would cut out the tit-for-tat behavior.
21:15 August 26, 2012 by johan rebel
I thought he would have been relieved of his responsibilities, not "removed from".
00:15 August 27, 2012 by throwaway
@Frobobbles

It's not the Turk part, it's the clapping part that makes the insult. Meaning she'd agree everything with a mindless manner. I'm a Turk and not sure why this is such a bad thing to warrant resignation either.
02:42 August 27, 2012 by Norrlands Turk
I have heard the word "Turk" being used as a derogatory and racist word in new generation Swedes' slang lingo. While I obviously didn't like to hear this, I can't really make any further comments as I have never heard anyone using this word during my visits to Sweden.

"Nalin Pekgul has previously been called "clapping Turk" in racist discussions on the Internet, and the derogatory term originated from a video of her applauding former Social Democratic party leader Mona Sahlin in 2010."

This part explains why and how unacceptable to use this term for a Swedish citizen and former parliamentar, especially if you have an active role in a political party.
09:41 August 27, 2012 by StockholmSam
As social media manager, it is Thomas Böhlmark's job to know what terms are offensive and what terms are acceptable. He knew full well what "clapping Turk" insinuated and wrote it anyway. Is he unqualified or is he just dumb? Either way, he should be removed. A major political party cannot make such simple gaffes.
ADD YOUR COMMENT   (YOU MUST LOG IN OR REGISTER TO MAKE A COMMENT)
Today's headlines
Unrest in Stockholm
Stockholm riots: a view from the street in Husby

Stockholm riots: a view from the street in Husby

Following three nights of violence that left cars smouldering in several Stockholm suburbs, The Local travelled to the northwest district of Husby where the disturbances began to see how the riots have affected local residents. READ () »

Bergman auction canned after suspected theft

Bergman auction canned after suspected theft

An auction of memorabilia belonging to Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Berman has been scrapped by authorities after claims the items were stolen from the family. READ () »

Stockholm man lay dead in flat for two years

Workmen in southern Stockholm found the body of man who may have lain dead in his flat for over two years, with the police blaming the belated discovery on society's broken social networks. READ () »

Fashion prize turns Rookies into players

Fashion prize turns Rookies into players

Swedish designers who fight for brand-name recognition in the notoriously hard-to-crack fashion business tell The Local's Victoria Hussey about the importance of the Swedish Rookies Award. READ () »

Four jailed for drugging internet date victims

Four jailed for drugging internet date victims

Four thieves who used internet dating sites to find victims who they then robbed after drugging them with a concoction of sedatives and psychosis drugs were sentenced to prison on Wednesday by a Swedish court. READ () »

Doc went on holiday as Swede's cancer spread

Doc went on holiday as Swede's cancer spread

A Swedish man has been left facing death after his doctor went on holiday, leaving a cancer diagnosis stranded in the computer system while the increasingly desperate patient fought for help elsewhere. READ () »

Unrest in Stockholm
Thirty fires in third night of Stockholm riots

Thirty fires in third night of Stockholm riots

Police arrested eight people on Tuesday night as thirty cars were torched across southern and western Stockholm, in what was the third consecutive night of unrest in the Swedish capital. READ () »

Swedish 'serial killer' cleared of two murders

Swedish 'serial killer' cleared of two murders

A man long referred to as Sweden's most notorious serial killer after being convicted of eight murders has been cleared of two more of the killings, prosecutors announced on Tuesday. READ () »

More Politics

 

Find a new job in Sweden now
22/05 Accountant to Bank of China
Sjr Ab
Stockholm
22/05 Accountant to Bank of China
SJR AB
Stockholm, STHM
22/05 Accounting Manager
Michael Page
Göteborg
22/05 Accounting Manager
Michael Page
Göteborg, VTG
22/05 Architectural Engineer #8409
Aker Advantage
Stockholm
22/05 Business Developer/Account Manager
TransPerfect Translations
Stockholm, STHM

ALL JOBS »


 

 

Highlights
La Neta
OPINION »
My Swedish Career: We talk to the founder of Stockholm's favourite Mexican restaurant chain - La Neta
Leif R Jansson/Scanpix
NATIONAL »
Riot police 'resorted to racial slurs' in Husby
Scanpix
SPORT »
Sweden win ice hockey world champs at home
Scanpix
SPORT »
Swedes sweep top French football awards
fastighetsbyrån.se
GALLERY »
Property of the Week: Check out this funky three-room apartment on the Stockholm island of Södermalm
Scanpix
GALLERY »
Sweden win Ice Hockey World Championships. See the celebrations in Stockholm
Scanpix
GALLERY »
Youths burn 100 cars in north Stockholm riots
Finest.se scanpix.se
GALLERY »
People-watching: Nightlife, Ice Hockey Gold celebrations, the royal family... You name it, this week's gallery has it
WikiCommons
BUSINESS & MONEY »
Solna voted best place to live in Sweden
Scanpix
TRAVEL »
Quiz - Think You Know Sweden? This week we head to one of Sweden's ten biggest towns. But which one?
Scanpix
LIFESTYLE »
Eurovision host: 'Not everyone has to like me'
Scanpix
LIFESTYLE »
Denmark wins Eurovision 2013 in Malmö
Paul Hansen/World Press Photo
SOCIETY »
Award-winning Swedish photographer cleared of manipulation
DoToday
LIFESTYLE »
What's On:The Local's guide to upcoming attractions and events in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö
Scanpix
NATIONAL »
A Congolese-Swedish pastor explains the roots to recent cases of parents exorcising demons from their children in Sweden
File photo: AP
NATIONAL »
H&M backs Bangladesh building safety accord
Scanpix
GALLERY »
Eurovision: second semi-final entries
Finest.se
GALLERY »
People-watching: Scenes from the Arctic Council meeting, Eurovision demonstrations, and Stockholm nightlife
Screenshot: American Apparel
SOCIETY »
Swedes slam American Apparel over 'sexist' ads
Hasse Holmberg/Scanpix (File)
BUSINESS & MONEY »
Housing crunch forces more young Swedes to live with mum and dad
Janerik Henriksson/Scanpix
LIFESTYLE »
Eurovision - Centre State: 'It won't be easy to win again': Robin Stjernberg
Asif Akbar/sxc.hu (File)
OPINION »
'Not all discrimination in Sweden is racism'
Lana Wimmer
GALLERY »
Hidden Stockholm Gems: Ulriksdal's Palace
Sex in Sweden: condoms optional - study
SOCIETY »
Sex in Sweden: condoms optional - study
AP (File)
POLITICS »
Russia 'lacks capacity' to attack Sweden: Reinfeldt
fastighetsbyrån.se
GALLERY »
Property of the Week: This week, we're looking inside a home from the 1700s just west of Stockholm. Complete with two cannons.
Scanpix (File)
OPINION »
JobTalk: Top ten tips for earning a higher salary in Sweden
Juanma Perez Rabasco
SOCIETY »
Swedish kids start daycare earlier: report
Facebook
SOCIETY »
'Sex scandal' minister bathes in viral toilet puppy love
Scanpix
NATIONAL »
Illegal apartment rentals thrive in Stockholm flat crunch
Ben Grey/Flickr
SCIENCE & TECH »
Sweden 'second best' place to become a mum
Eddie Gee
LIFESTYLE »
Check out the back catalogue of all The Local's Swedes of the Week
Photo: The Local
SPONSORED ARTICLE
Stockholm International School - what’s in IT for students?
Dixie Thomas Hughes
SPONSORED ARTICLE
US expat David V. Hughes on determination and discovery by design

 

Latest news from The Local in Germany

More news from Germany at thelocal.de

Latest news from The Local in France

More news from France at thelocal.fr

Latest news from The Local in Norway

More news from Norway at thelocal.no

Latest news from The Local in Switzerland

More news from Switzerland at thelocal.ch

Search News


Register

Register now for:
> Free use of noticeboard
> Special discounts
> Weekly news roundup
> Unlimited use of discuss

REGISTER FOR FREE »


Blog Update: Stripes News

21 May 21:34

WEEK 21 »

"A week full to the brim with LFC football…. Div 5 LFC match against Nåjdens FK has been moved. This is due to the Svenska Cupen final: 26 May, 17.00 kick off, Nationalarenan Friends Arena, Solna. Next match is on Tuesday (see below). ………………………………………………………… Friday: Div5 Ladies: Rotebro IS FF – Långholmen FC (Skinnaråsens IP) KO: 16.15 ………………………………………………………… Saturday: Vets: Långholmen FC – IFK..." READ »

Trade binary options
Create an account with Banc De Binary, the world’s most reputable binary options firm, and start cashing in today! You can start by practicing with our free $50,000 demo account.
www.bbinary.com
Therapy in English
Expat counsellor & talk therapist offers counselling for stress, relationship issues, sexuality, culture adjustment & life coaching. Private & confidential. Stockholm or Skype. Contact me today! 08-559 22 636 or
CLICK HERE
Holiday Luxury Villa in Portugal
Casa Birgitta in Algarve, Portugal. Reduced price in best location. Private estate on white sand beach. All amenities included. Book here today! edward_george1@hotmail.com
The Local's new Marketplace
Find products and services that are specifically focused on English speakers living in Sweden!
FULL DETAILS
Counseling in English
Individuals & Couples - Stockholm Beth Rogerson PhD - Clinical, Marriage & Family Therapist
Click or call 08-5580 1266 now