Swedes vote in election that could usher far right into government
Swedish voters have cast ballots in a general election that may grant the far right a role in government for the first time. Early exit polls from public broadcaster SVT showed left-wing parties leading by several percentage points, but the two political blocs were nearly even after two-thirds of the vote were counted. The outcome will determine if Sweden continues a recent rightward drift or returns to its liberal traditions. Key campaign issues included the economy, crime, migration, and welfare.
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- ✓ Sweden held a general election to determine the composition of its government.
- ✓ The election could result in a far right party entering the government.
- ✓ Migration, crime, and the economy were dominant themes in the election.
What changed
Exit polls and initial counts indicate a near-dead heat between the center-left and right-wing blocs.
Live updates
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Sweden Votes in Tight General Election With Far Right Seeking Power
Swedish voters have cast ballots in a general election that may grant the far right a role in government for the first time. Early exit polls from public broadcaster SVT showed left-wing parties leading by several percentage points, but the two political blocs were nearly even after two-thirds of the vote were counted. The outcome will determine if Sweden continues a recent rightward drift or returns to its liberal traditions. Key campaign issues included the economy, crime, migration, and welfare.
Why it matters
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is attempting to bring the Sweden Democrats into power against center-left candidate Magdalena Andersson. This election tests the tension between the nation's liberal identity and rising right-wing influence. The city of Malmo has become a specific point of contention due to its multicultural population.
What is confirmed
- Sweden held a general election to determine the composition of its government.
- The election could result in a far right party entering the government.
- Migration, crime, and the economy were dominant themes in the election.
Still unconfirmed
- The far right loathes the city of Malmo.
What to watch next
- Official confirmation of the final vote count
- Formation of a governing coalition
- Announcement of the winning candidate between Ulf Kristersson and Magdalena Andersson
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (12)
- Al Jazeera — Multicultural Malmo: Swedish city loathed by far right braces for election
- CNBC — Russia, Trump and a battle over welfare loom over Sweden’s election
- CNN — Sweden’s election could bring far right a place at the heart of government
- Reuters — Swedes vote in election that could usher far right into government
- The New York Times — In the Home of Volvo and Spotify, an Election Shows Shifting Priorities
- Al Jazeera — Voting under way in Sweden election that could see far right enter gov’t
- foxnews.com — Sweden votes as migration, crime and economy dominate high-stakes election
- www.pbs.org — Exit polls show left-wing opposition ahead in Swedish vote, projected to win majority
- www.nbcnews.com — Center-left bloc leads in Swedish vote, polls show
- www.france24.com — Swedes vote in close general election that could usher far right into government
- www.theleader.com.au — Swedes vote in election that could usher in far right
- www.devdiscourse.com — Sweden's Pivotal Election: A Fight Between Extremism and Liberalism
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