Sweden votes in razor-thin race as far-right seeks historic cabinet entry
Swedes voted on Sunday in a tightly contested general election where the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD) could enter government for the first time. The race between the center-right bloc and the center-left opposition is nearly deadlocked, with polls showing a margin of just 0.3 percentage points. If the right wins, SD leader Jimmie Åkesson is expected to secure key ministerial roles, a shift from their previous role as external supporters. The campaign was marked by polarized rhetoric, including controversial immigration ads and personal attacks between leaders.
Key points
- Polling stations opened at 8:00 am local time, with exit polls scheduled for 8:00 pm and preliminary results expected by 11:00 pm.
- The right-wing bloc, led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, includes the Moderates, Christian Democrats, and Liberals, with SD as a key partner.
- The left-wing opposition is led by Social Democrats leader Magdalena Andersson, alongside the Centre, Green, and Left parties.
- SD, which has neo-Nazi roots, has toned down overtly racist rhetoric but maintains a hardline stance on immigration and crime.
- Approximately 3.6 million voters participated in early voting, with total turnout expected to exceed 80% among eight million eligible voters.
Background
Sweden’s political landscape shifted significantly in 2022 when the center-right coalition broke a longstanding taboo by accepting support from the Sweden Democrats. Since then, SD has influenced policy from the outside, pushing the political establishment to the right on issues like immigration and crime. This election marks the first time SD could hold formal cabinet positions, a move that has raised concerns about the normalization of far-right politics in Sweden. Previous campaigns saw SD use provocative advertising, including messages about repatriation, which sparked public debate and driver boycotts.
How outlets are covering it
The Guardian highlights the polarized nature of the campaign, noting personal attacks and 'MAGA-inspired' rhetoric, while emphasizing the tight polling gap. Al Jazeera focuses on the historic significance of SD potentially entering government, quoting Andersson’s warning against a government 'dominated by the Sweden Democrats.' AP News frames the event as a 'near dead heat,' underscoring the uncertainty of the outcome. All sources agree on the high stakes and the potential for SD to gain ministerial power, but differ in emphasis: The Guardian stresses the toxic campaign dynamics, while Al Jazeera and AP focus more on the structural shift in Swedish governance.
Why it matters
The outcome could redefine Swedish politics by bringing a party with neo-Nazi roots into formal government power, potentially normalizing far-right influence in European politics. It also signals a shift in Sweden’s approach to immigration and welfare, with SD promising stricter repatriation policies and crime crackdowns. The result may influence broader European far-right movements, as Sweden’s political landscape has been a bellwether for such trends.
What to watch
Exit polls will be released at 8:00 pm, followed by an SVT forecast at 9:00 pm and preliminary vote counts between 10:30 and 11:00 pm. Coalition negotiations are expected to take weeks or months, depending on the outcome. If the right wins, SD will likely secure key ministerial positions, while a left victory would see Andersson lead a government focused on welfare and cooperation.
- Voting under way in Sweden with far right eyeing first role in government The Guardian
- In the Home of Volvo and Spotify, an Election Shows Shifting Priorities The New York Times
- Swedes vote in election that could usher far right into government Reuters
- Voting under way in Sweden election that could see far right in government Al Jazeera
- Swedish voters go to polls to choose a new parliament as hard right bids for role in government AP News
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