Sweden’s centre-left opposition was narrowly ahead of the ruling right-wing bloc on Monday, with preliminary election results showing a three-seat advantage after most votes from Sunday’s general election were counted.
The opposition parties led by Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson were projected to win 176 seats in the 349-member parliament, compared with 173 seats for Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s right-wing bloc. The final result is expected after remaining district and overseas votes are counted.
Who Is Leading Sweden’s Election?
Andersson’s centre-left bloc held about 0.45 percentage points of the vote, according to preliminary results. The Sweden Democrats, which support the ruling bloc, were projected to lose around 11 seats.
Andersson said a new government would be formed if the preliminary result remains unchanged, but party leaders have avoided declaring a final victory while counting continues.
What Happens If the Centre Left Wins?
Forming a government could prove difficult because the centre-left parties differ over coalition arrangements. The Centre Party has opposed sharing power with the Left Party, while the Left Party has said it must be included in any coalition.
A centre-left government is expected to maintain Sweden’s pro-Western and pro-Ukraine foreign policy. Andersson has also pledged increased welfare spending, changes to taxation and continued restrictions on immigration.