Sweden’s opposition held a narrow lead on Monday, September 14, after Sunday’s parliamentary election, according to Reuters and AP. Preliminary results gave the parties backing Magdalena Andersson 176 of the Riksdag’s 349 seats, against 173 for Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s bloc. The outcome remained provisional.
The opposition comprises the Social Democrats, Left Party, Greens and Centre Party. Le Monde reported that the opposing bloc brings together the Moderates, Christian Democrats, Liberals and Sweden Democrats. AP said more than 94% of districts had been counted, leaving the next government uncertain.
Le Monde reported that the far-right Sweden Democrats had slipped to 17.6% and third place, behind the Moderates on 19.9%. Andersson’s Social Democrats remained the largest party with 28.1%, down from 30.3% in 2022. These figures were preliminary, rather than certified results.
A majority would not settle the coalition’s composition. Reuters reported that the Centre Party refused to share power with the Left Party, which demanded cabinet posts. Andersson said a new government would follow if the result held; Kristersson had not conceded. Parliamentary speaker Andreas Norlén warned of difficult government formation talks.
The Election Authority says municipalities continue their preliminary count on Wednesday, September 16, including late-arriving advance ballots. Reuters reported that overseas votes were also expected then. Separately, county administrative boards begin the final count on Monday, checking votes for all parties and individual candidates. The two processes run in parallel.
The authority expects the parliamentary result to be finalised around the weekend after election day. The Riksdag’s timetable sets September 28 for the new parliament’s first meeting and election of its speaker and three deputies, followed by the session’s opening on September 29. Until the count and government formation are resolved, the projected lead is no guarantee of a transfer of power.
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