Sweden's Election Could Mark Major Milestone for Europe's Populist Right
September 11, 2026 / 10:55 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Sweden's election on Sunday could mark a significant moment for the nation and NATO.
- Right-wing populist parties have gained traction across Europe, including Sweden, due to voter backlash over immigration.
- The election features a contest between the center-right coalition led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and the center-left bloc led by Magdalena Andersson.
- The Sweden Democrats, a right-wing populist party with extremist roots, are aiming to enter government for the first time.
- The party has gradually moved toward the political center, entering parliament in 2010 and becoming the second-largest party by 2022.
- Previously, the Sweden Democrats supported Kristersson's minority government from outside the cabinet, influencing policy without formal responsibility.
- Now, Kristersson proposes giving ministerial posts to Sweden Democrats if his coalition wins another term.
- Under leader Jimmie Åkesson, the party has sought to expel extremists and present a more mainstream image, advocating for policies like deporting illegal immigrants and toughening citizenship laws.
- The party's success is partly attributed to merging traditional right-wing stances with policies appealing to working-class voters, such as social security and benefits.
- Tougher immigration and crime policies, influenced by the Sweden Democrats, have become central to Swedish politics.
- Societal shifts, including a response to the 2015 migration crisis and concerns about integration, gang violence, and crime, have contributed to the party's support.
- Government policies have led to a significant drop in asylum immigration and a reduction in gang violence.
- The Sweden Democrats have built a stable electoral base, particularly among men, working-class voters, and those outside major cities.
- The election is seen as a test of how far Swedish politics has shifted and whether a previously marginalized party is now ready for executive power.