Sweden's parties have opened coalition talks after Sunday's election, with the Social Democrat-led centre-left bloc holding a narrow lead of 176 seats to 173 with 95% of votes counted.
Key facts
- The Social Democrats leader Magdalena Andersson has begun efforts to form a new government.
- With 95% of votes counted, the centre-left bloc leads 176 seats to 173 for right-leaning parties.
- Full results are not expected until overseas votes are counted on Wednesday.
- The centre-left faces an internal policy battle despite its lead.
Sweden’s political parties have launched coalition negotiations following Sunday’s election, with the Social Democrats leader Magdalena Andersson beginning what the Guardian described as the long and difficult process of trying to form a new government.
With 95% of the votes counted, the Social Democrats and the centre-left bloc held a narrow but growing lead of 176 seats to the right-leaning parties’ 173, according to the Guardian.
Full results from the election are not expected until after overseas votes are counted on Wednesday, meaning the final balance of power in parliament remains uncertain as negotiations get under way.
Despite holding a lead, the centre-left bloc faces an internal policy battle, the Guardian reported, underlining the challenges ahead as parties attempt to agree on a workable governing arrangement.
Both blocs are working to secure power, with the tight margin between the two sides highlighting how the outcome could shift once all votes, including those from overseas, are tallied.
The coming days will be pivotal as party leaders weigh potential alliances and policy compromises needed to command a majority in the Swedish parliament.
Why it matters
The outcome of Sweden's coalition talks will determine the country's governing direction after a closely fought election. With only three seats separating the two blocs, the final result and the negotiations that follow could reshape Swedish policy for years to come.
Frequently asked questions
Who is leading the coalition talks in Sweden?
The Social Democrats leader Magdalena Andersson has started the process of trying to form a new government, according to the Guardian.
What is the current seat count between the blocs?
With 95% of votes counted, the centre-left bloc led 176 seats to the right-leaning parties' 173, the Guardian reported.
When will the full election results be known?
Full results are not expected until after overseas votes are counted on Wednesday.