Sweden's political parties launch coalition talks as both blocs try to secure power
Centre-left bloc led by Social Democrats has narrow lead with 95% of vote counted, but faces internal policy battle
TL;DR
- Coalition negotiations have begun in Sweden after an election resulted in a narrow lead for the centre-left bloc, led by the Social Democrats.
- With 95% of votes counted, the Social Democrats and their allies have 176 seats compared to the right-leaning parties' 173.
- The far-right Sweden Democrats, previously hoping to join the government, appear to be out of contention, though their policy ideas have influenced mainstream politics.
- Both Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson and outgoing Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson are exploring coalition options.
- Challenges remain, including the Centre party's unwillingness to work with the Left party and the Liberals and Christian Democrats ruling out cooperation with the Social Democrats.
- The final election results are expected after overseas votes are counted on Wednesday, with the earliest date for a suggested prime minister being September 29.
- Past government formations in Sweden have been lengthy, with the 2018 coalition taking 134 days to form.