OMM Redaksiyası
Swedish voters are casting ballots on Sunday, September 13, in a parliamentary election that could pave the way for the far right to enter the country’s government for the first time.
According to opinion polls, the center-left opposition alliance is leading. Social Democratic Party leader Magdalena Andersson is considered the main candidate for prime minister. However, her bloc’s lead has narrowed significantly in the final days of the campaign.
In the latest pre-election poll, the gap between the two blocs fell to 5.6 percentage points, compared with 8.2 points a week earlier. Support for the Social Democrats dropped to 27.6%, below the party’s result in 2022.
Far right could enter government
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson of the center-right government has promised ministerial posts to the far-right Sweden Democrats if the right-wing bloc returns to power.
The Sweden Democrats, led by Jimmie Åkesson, supported Kristersson’s government under an agreement reached in 2022. The deal gave the party an opportunity to influence government decisions, particularly on crime and migration policy.
Supporters of the right-wing bloc say their policies have helped curb gang violence and sharply reduce migration. They argue that an election victory would demonstrate public support for this approach.
Kristersson told journalists in parliament: “We are able to bring parties, voters and issues together for joint action. That is why we achieve results.”
Critics, however, say these policies weaken civil liberties and pressure migrants to conform more strictly to Sweden’s cultural norms or leave the country.
Differences remain within center-left bloc
The Social Democrats, Greens, Left Party and Centre Party largely agree on the need to increase social welfare and public spending. However, differences remain on several issues, including migration.
Andersson’s party supports a tougher migration policy than some of its potential coalition partners. The right-wing bloc, meanwhile, has reached agreement on issues voters consider priorities, including support for Ukraine, increased military strength and assistance for families affected by rising prices.
Voter turnout is expected to be high. As of the morning of September 12, more than 3.37 million voters had cast ballots in advance. The total number of eligible voters is 8,046,725.
Sweden’s parliamentary elections determine the composition of the Riksdag, whose balance of power decides which political bloc can form a government. The Sweden Democrats have grown from a protest party into one of the country’s largest political forces, but their possible formal entry into government would mark a significant shift in Sweden’s political landscape.
