The Guardian view on Sweden’s election result: an opportunity that progressive parties must not squander
After a desperately tight race, voters rejected the prospect of the far right in government. A potential centre-left coalition needs to seize the moment
TL;DR
- European progressives are struggling to find positive political developments, with rising far-right parties in Germany and France.
- The Swedish election offered a glimmer of hope, with voters appearing to hand a narrow victory to the progressive bloc.
- This outcome prevented the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD) from formally entering the government as ministers.
- Despite not winning power, the SD's agenda has influenced the previous government's policies, particularly regarding migrants.
- The SD's share of the vote fell, but their influence on political debate continues to grow.
- Progressive parties need to be more courageous in shifting political debate and championing an inclusive vision like the historical 'People's Home' concept.