Summary
Sweden's recent election results show a very close race between the left-wing opposition and the right-wing alliance. Both sides are now starting talks to try to form a government, but the process looks likely to be complicated and could take weeks.Key Facts
- The left-wing opposition, led by Magdalena Andersson, holds a slim lead with some votes still being counted.
- The far-right Sweden Democrats lost seats for the first time since joining parliament 16 years ago.
- No party has a clear majority, so coalition negotiations are required to form a government.
- Both Andersson’s Social Democrats and outgoing Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's Moderates are trying to find partners to reach a majority.
- The left-wing bloc includes several parties with differing views, making agreement difficult.
- The Centre Party, formerly part of the right-wing bloc, could be a key player in forming the next government.
- Parliamentary votes to approve a new prime minister can start as early as September 29.
- Previous government formations in 2018 and 2022 took 134 and 37 days, respectively.
