Swedish centre-left alliance wins parliamentary election according to SVT

Election winner Andersson addressed supporters in Stockholm that evening. She announced she would promptly initiate talks with her alliance partners in order to form a stable government. Alongside the Social Democrats, the participating parties include the Centre Party, the Left Party, and the Greens. Andersson had previously served as Prime Minister between 2021 and 2022, before having to hand over the post to Kristersson following a vote of no confidence and a short-lived return at the head of a transitional government.

Campaign Issues and Background

According to APA reports, the main campaign issues were the state of the economy, energy policy, and migration. The right-wing bloc had in recent years primarily made a name for itself with a more restrictive migration policy and a reduction in energy prices. Andersson, by contrast, focused her campaign on investments in the welfare state and on measures to counter the rising cost of living.

The SVT projections also showed that the Sweden Democrats under Jimmie Åkesson had held their position as the third-strongest force in the Riksdag. Their influence on a future centre-left government is likely to be limited, however, as Andersson had repeatedly ruled out cooperation with the party.

Outlook on Government Formation

Observers assessed the outcome as a consequence of the economic mood and a shift among voters. Several Swedish election researchers told SVT of a return to a political majority of the kind Sweden had for much of the post-war period. The difference from the 2022 election, which Kristersson had won with a narrow majority, was nevertheless small.

On election night, international attention also turned to Sweden's security policy situation. As a new NATO member, having joined the alliance in March 2024, the country plays a central role in the Nordic defence alliance. Both sides had emphasised during the campaign that they would continue to support Ukraine and strengthen the armed forces.

Reliable figures from all constituencies were not yet available at the time of SVT's reporting. The Election Authority noted that the count of advance votes in particular was still ongoing. Nevertheless, Andersson's lead in the projections was considered sufficiently secure to speak of a clear election victory.

Kristersson announced that he would remain in office on a caretaker basis until a new government was formed, in order to enable an orderly transition. In Swedish constitutional matters, such a handover is customary and is formally carried out by the Riksdag.

Sweden elects a new parliament every four years. A total of 349 seats in the Riksdag were up for grabs. Voter turnout was described by SVT as high.

Coalition negotiations are now expected in the coming weeks. Andersson faces the task of bringing the four-party centre-left alliance onto a common line.

FAQ: First policy items are likely to be investments in healthcare and the energy transition.