Anton Abele
Anton Amadé Abele | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 10, 1992 Stockholm, Sweden |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, activist, public speaker |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Known for | Youngest Swedish Member of Parliament; anti-violence activism |
Anton Amadé Abele (born 10 January 1992) is a prominent Swedish political figure, activist, and public speaker who represented Stockholm County as a Member of Parliament from the 2010 general election until 2014, taking over from former Culture and Sports Minister Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth. At just 18 years old, he earned the distinction of being Sweden’s youngest parliamentarian as well as the youngest legislator worldwide at a national level.
Abele rose to prominence as an advocate against violence following the tragic 2007 death of 16-year-old Riccardo Campogiani, who succumbed to fatal injuries from an assault. On 25 July 2013, he declared his intention to fulfill his current parliamentary term but opted not to run in the 2014 elections, expressing dissatisfaction with the internal environment of the Parliament.
Achievements
At the MTV Europe Music Awards 2007 in Munich, Abele was honored with the human rights accolade known as the "Free Your Mind" award. Early in 2008, two leading Swedish newspapers recognized him as "2007 Stockholmer of the Year." Additionally, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden acknowledged Abele’s efforts during his 2007 Christmas address, highlighting the impact individuals can have on societal progress. In May 2008, Abele and his initiative "Stop Street Violence" received the "2008 Most Important Communication Effort" distinction.
He has been invited to speak at prestigious forums such as the Council of Europe’s conference titled "Building a Europe For and With Children—Towards a Strategy for 2009–2011," where he addressed "Children Changing Societies." On 30 April 2008, he delivered the Spring Speech at Skansen in Stockholm, focusing on the theme of "Change." At a major anti-violence rally in Stockholm in October 2007, he spoke before an audience exceeding 10,000. Abele continues to be an active voice discussing rising youth violence and preventive strategies.
His youth-driven campaign played a crucial role in elevating violence and safety concerns among young people onto the national political agenda.
Non-profit organisation and activism
Anton Abele initiated the Swedish Facebook group "Bevara oss från gatuvåldet" (Save us from street violence), which rapidly amassed over 100,000 members. On 12 October 2007, he coordinated the "Stop street violence" demonstration held in Stockholm that drew upwards of 10,000 participants. Parallel protests took place simultaneously across major cities throughout the Nordic region.
He established Stoppa Gatuvåldet (Stop Street Violence), a non-profit organisation dedicated to educating youth about the medical and legal repercussions of violent acts. The organisation maintains political and religious neutrality while addressing ethical considerations and striving to shift public attitudes. On 10 February 2008, it hosted a conference at Stockholm City Hall that brought together more than 1,000 young people and adults.
MP career
On 14 October 2010, Abele became Sweden’s youngest parliamentarian after being appointed from the top position on the Moderate Party list following Anna König Jerlmyr’s departure to serve as deputy mayor of Stockholm. On 25 July 2013, he announced his decision not to pursue re-election in 2014 due to disenchantment with the working atmosphere within the Riksdag.
In 2013, Abele attracted criticism for allegedly plagiarizing portions of a speech delivered by Barack Obama regarding urban security during an event in Paris in December 2012.
Role at Allra
Abele held the position of head of public relations at the pension management firm Allra until 2017, when the Swedish Pensions Agency decided to deregister Allra's pension funds due to numerous complaints. Following this decision, the agency filed a police report against Allra. Before stepping down, Abele asserted that clients experienced returns that surpassed expectations. Subsequently, the Svea Court of Appeal convicted four individuals linked to Allra, sentencing them to prison terms ranging from four to six years for serious offenses associated with the company.
External links
- stoppagatuvaldet.nu – Website dedicated to combating street violence (Swedish)