Controversial Lenin Statue Erected on Sweden's West Coast

Written by Kathrine Frich

Jun.15 - 2024 11:40 AM CET

World
Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock
An eight-meter-tall statue of a Soviet dictator is now being erected on the Swedish west coast.

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The statue, depicting former Soviet dictator Vladimir Lenin, will take its place in Varberg. The project has been spearheaded by hotel entrepreneur and communist Lasse Diding.

Unveiling the Statue

The Lenin statue, standing at eight meters high, is situated in Diding's garden.

According to Marcus Oscarsson the body and foundation are already in place, with the head set to be unveiled on Saturday evening.

"Although my statue depicts a controversial figure, it is a beautiful ornament. When Biltema puts up a 27-meter-high sign, no one reacts," Diding told Göteborgs-Posten. He acknowledges that the statue may provoke mixed reactions but emphasizes that it shouldn't come as a surprise.

Varberg Residents' Reaction

Diding admits that "some people like Lenin, and some don't," but insists that the erection of the statue should not be a shock to the locals.

"Varberg residents are used to Lenin, it is not a major surprise for them," he said.

While he acknowledges the possibility of legal challenges, he believes he has the right to proceed.

Lenin's Historical Impact

Vladimir Lenin led the Bolshevik Party, which seized power in 1917, making him one of the most significant political figures in Russian history. "Lenin was one of the leading political figures and revolutionary thinkers of the 20th century. He orchestrated the Bolshevik takeover of power in Russia in 1917 and was the architect and first leader of the Soviet Union," explains the BBC.

Born into a well-educated family, Lenin was recognized early for his radical ideas, leading to his expulsion from university studies. He eventually led what became known as the October Revolution, effectively a coup. Nearly three years of civil war followed, with the Bolsheviks emerging victorious and gaining total control over the country. During this period of revolution, war, and famine, Lenin displayed a cold indifference to the suffering of his compatriots and ruthlessly crushed all opposition.