The centre-left bloc led by Social Democrat M. Andersson is ahead by three seats over the right-wing alliance of conservative Prime Minister U. Kristersson in Sweden’s parliamentary election, with 176 seats to 173.
Although the opposition’s left-wing bloc had a comfortable lead in the polls, the gap narrowed significantly in the final two weeks of the campaign.
For Andersson, who served as prime minister until 2022, such a narrow result would have a “bittersweet” feel, according to Politico. After losing power four years ago, she had been widely expected to return as prime minister, but her party’s double-digit polling lead disappeared amid criticism that her campaign lacked momentum.
The election is considered crucial for Sweden, as the right-wing alliance includes the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD).
Speaking after midnight on Monday, Magdalena Andersson said the results so far showed an “evenly balanced” race. “Right now, however, we are ahead, and if that holds, Sweden will have a new government,” she said.
The election is a key moment for Sweden and is also being closely watched across Europe, where other nationalist parties are gaining ground. The right-wing alliance includes the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD), which also cooperated with the previous government.
Sourcws: The Guardian, POLITICO
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