Sweden on Edge as Far Right Could Enter Government in Close Election

Sweden’s Close Election Could See Far-Right Influence

Sweden’s upcoming Sunday election could see the far right enter government if the rightwing parties form a majority. It comes after current prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, made a deal with the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD), cementing their influence over government policy.

Legal and civil rights experts warn this could impact Sweden’s global reputation as a human rights champion. The country has already seen a shift in policies on crime and immigration in the past four years.

The centre-left opposition alliance, led by Magdalena Andersson of the Social Democrats, is currently ahead in opinion polls, but the lead has narrowed in the final days of the campaign. However, a shift to the right on crime, immigration, and integration within the Social Democrats means that even a win for the left is unlikely to reform current hardline policies.

With tight polls and a record of early voting expected, the performance of smaller parties could prove critical. The Liberals, currently part of the governing coalition, could prove crucial for the right’s ability to form a coalition. Similarly, the turnout for the Centre party could also be significant.

The immigration debate in Sweden, which has been largely won already by the SD, leaves the party seeking further appeal to voters. If the right wins, the SD is likely to gain several ministerial posts. However, if they lose, internal debate may arise among centre-right parties about the close relationship with the Sweden Democrats.

Voters indicate healthcare, law and order, immigration and the economy as the biggest issues. Results are expected on Sunday night, but forming a government could take weeks or even months of talks. A recent Dagens Nyheter/Ipsos poll shows a tight race, with 175 seats for Andersson’s left-leaning side and 174 for Kristersson’s right-leaning side.