Sweden faces political uncertainty as far-right loses some of its vote share in super close election
Updated on: September 14, 2026 / 6:57 AM EDT / CBS/AFP
TL;DR
- Sweden's election outcome remains uncertain with the left-wing opposition holding a slim lead as votes are still being counted.
- The far-right Sweden Democrats saw a decrease in their vote share, a first for the party in its 16 years in parliament.
- Both the left-wing opposition leader, Magdalena Andersson, and outgoing Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson aim to form a government but face significant challenges in securing a majority.
- Negotiations to form a government are anticipated to be lengthy, potentially lasting weeks, with a earliest possible vote on a new prime minister on September 29.
- Political analysts predict a potential stalemate leading to a protracted government formation process, possibly culminating in a snap election.
- The left-wing bloc, though leading, is ideologically divided, with parties having conflicting stances on potential coalition partners.
- Kristersson may attempt to secure support from the Center Party, but its opposition to allying with the far-right makes this unlikely.
- The Sweden Democrats' decline in popularity is attributed to mainstream political parties adopting stricter migration and crime policies.