Sweden Votes in Election That Could See Far-Right Join Government
Swedes cast ballots in a parliamentary election on Sunday that may result in the far-right Sweden Democrats entering government for the first time. While opposition polls showed a narrow lead, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson pledged to include the Sweden Democrats if his coalition wins.
Swedes voted in a parliamentary election on Sunday that could result in the far-right Sweden Democrats joining the government for the first time. Voting stations opened at 8 a.m. local time, with exit polls expected shortly after voting closed and initial data anticipated around 2 p.m. ET.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has pledged to bring the Sweden Democrats into government if his ruling conservative coalition wins again. The right-wing bloc includes the Moderates, Christian Democrats, Liberals, and the Sweden Democrats. For the past four years, the Sweden Democrats have supported Kristersson's minority government in parliament without formally joining it.
Several opinion polls showed Sweden's centre-left opposition holding a narrow lead over the ruling right-wing bloc ahead of the election. However, Kristersson has been catching up in the final weeks of campaigning, while rival Magdalena Andersson and her Social Democrats have been losing ground in polls. The election outcome may depend on whether the Liberals surpass the four per cent threshold to win seats in parliament.
The campaign focused heavily on issues such as immigration policy, gang violence, and economic growth. Over the last four years, the ruling coalition backed by the Sweden Democrats abolished permanent residency for refugees, tightened welfare rules, and increased expulsions. Sweden Democrat leader Jimmie Åkesson stated that Rinkeby, a suburb of Stockholm, "doesn't look like Sweden" while voting there. The party has also pledged to ban the niqab and the burqa if they enter government.
Opposition leader Magdalena Andersson claims the country has become poorer with growth below potential, while right-wing voters emphasize security and immigration control achievements. Some voters feel fears about the Sweden Democrats are exaggerated, while others, particularly younger voters and immigrants, express concern over their rhetoric and impact on society.