Swedish elections: left back in power but far-right surges
Cameron loses a conservative ally as the far-right plans to take advantage of a weak minority government
The centre-left Social Democrats, one of Sweden's largest and oldest parties, won the biggest percentage of the vote in yesterday's election, but failed to secure a parliamentary majority.
As the country transitions from two years of conservative rule, Sweden now faces the prospect of a weak minority government in which the far-right Sweden Democrats could hold the balance of power.
The party received 12.9 per cent of the vote, more than double what it secured in the last election, to become Sweden's third largest party. The Spectator's Fraser Nelson described them as "the only real winners" in this year's election.
Subscribe to 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 party has gained support off the back of its vocal opposition to the country's liberal immigration policy. This year Sweden is expected to accept 80,000 asylum seekers from Syria and across the Middle East and Africa, a number the Sweden Democrats want to cut by 90 per cent.
The Social Democrat leader Stefan Lofven is expected to begin lengthy negotiations with the Green Party and the Left Party today, having made it clear that they will not work with the far-right group.
"You can't avoid taking us into account if you want to run the country," said Sweden Democrat leader Jimme Akesson, according to Reuters. "We are holding the absolute balance of power now."
"Cracks [have] start to show in the 'Nordic model'," writes the Guardian's Philip Olterman. Income gaps and unemployment are increasing while benefits are decreasing. The success of the far-right group has shown that "the main Swedish parties have failed," said Åsa Romson, leader of the Swedish Green Party.
Despite their refusal to work with the Sweden Democrats, some commentators argue that the centre-left bloc may be forced to strike a deal with members of the far right party in order to avoid political deadlock.
The effects of the election will also be felt in the rest of Europe. Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt's departure was described by the Wall Street Journal as a "blow" to his fellow conservative leaders, David Cameron and Angela Merkel. Indeed, he said before stepping down: "It has been amazing to have been able to work with some of the most capable leaders that I think exist {...] Angela Merkel, David Cameron and Mark Rutte [the Dutch PM]."
The full results:
- Social Democrats 31.2%
- Moderate Party 23.2%
- Sweden Democrats 12.9%
- Green Party 6.8%
- Centre Party 6.1%
- Left Party 5.7%
- Liberal Party 5.4%
- Christian Democrats 4.6%
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Magazine solutions - May 10, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - May 10, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
Magazine printables - May 10, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - May 10, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
'Box Trump in for real if he pulls another stunt. Put him behind bars.'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Russia gains as Ukraine awaits US aid
Speed Read Ukrainian forces have retreated from several villages as the situation at the front line worsens
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Haiti interim council, prime minister sworn in
Speed Read Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigns amid surging gang violence
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Myanmar: the Spring Revolution and the downfall of the generals
Talking Point An armed protest movement has swept across the country since the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi was overthrown in 2021
By The Week Staff Published
-
Israel hits Iran with retaliatory airstrike
Speed Read The attack comes after Iran's drone and missile barrage last weekend
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is there a peaceful way forward for Israel and Iran?
Today's Big Question Tehran has initially sought to downplay the latest Israeli missile strike on its territory
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sudan on brink of collapse after a year of war
Speed Read 18 million people face famine as the country continues its bloody downward spiral
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
How powerful is Iran?
Today's big question Islamic republic is facing domestic dissent and 'economic peril' but has a vast military, dangerous allies and a nuclear threat
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
US, Israel brace for Iran retaliatory strikes
Speed Read An Iranian attack on Israel is believed to be imminent
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published