Swedish election results in deadlock after gains by far-right party
Anti-immigration Sweden Democrats poised to play a role in new government

Sweden is heading for a hung parliament after a general election yesterday saw the country’s two major political parties fall short of being able to form a government, while the far-right anti-immigration party surged to third.
The governing centre-left coalition maintained a very slim lead over its centre-right Alliance rivals, with both blocs winning about 40% of the vote.
The nationalist Sweden Democrats party won about 18% of the vote, up from 12.9% at the last election, but well short of the 25% that some polls had predicted the party might have been able to win.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The result will mean that a “protracted battle to form a working coalition now looks a certainty”, the BBC says, with any deal requiring cross-bloc support from several of the minor parties in each of the existing coalitions.
The leaders of both of the major coalitions have so far ruled out forming a government with the Sweden Democrats over that party’s historical links to neo-Nazis and other far-right groups.
“The Sweden Democrats can never, and will never, offer anything that will help society. They will only increase division and hate,” Swedish prime minister Stefan Lofven said.
However, Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Akesson (pictured above) has told supporters that the result represents a victory for his party.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
“We strengthen our kingmaker role. We will have an immense influence over what happens in Sweden in the coming weeks, months, year,” Akesson said.
The Guardian says the “often antagonistic” campaign was dominated by issues including immigration, integration and welfare.
It was the first election to be held by Sweden since the controversial decision to allow 163,000 migrants into the country in 2015; a move that many believe has put pressure on the country’s welfare system and vital services.
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
Rise of the far-right: what’s behind the popularity of Vox in Spain?
The Explainer Disillusioned younger voters are being drawn to Santiago Abascal’s party
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
Russia's 'shared values' visa
The Explainer The 'anti-woke' scheme is aimed at foreigners who reject LGBTQ+ rights and 'non-traditional' values – and who can provide Moscow with online clout and skilled workers
-
The Swedish church at the centre of a Russian spy drama
Under The Radar The Russian Orthodox Church is accused of being an 'active tool' of Moscow's 'soft power'
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?
today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024