Sweden heads to the polls in close election race

Sweden is set to hold a closely contested general election on Sunday, with the possibility of left-wing opposition ousting the incumbent government. The campaign has been marked by concerns over healthcare, the welfare state, and security on Europe's stage. While opinion polls have consistently shown a significant lead for the center-left opposition, led by the Social Democrats, the race has tightened in recent weeks.

The main parties in play are the centre-right coalition headed by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and its anti-immigration ally, the Sweden Democrats. The latter has vowed to pursue stricter crime and immigration policies. However, recent economic improvements have reduced the emphasis on these issues among voters.

The Social Democrats have pledged to raise taxes on high incomes and banks to fund healthcare and education, while also assisting households coping with rising costs. In contrast, the far-right Sweden Democrats aim to enter government for the first time, promising low gas prices, limited migration, and dental care reforms.

Prime Minister Kristersson, who became head of government in 2022, has promised cabinet positions to the Sweden Democrats in exchange for their support, including the migration portfolio. Despite a scandal involving a civil servant sharing pro-Russian propaganda, the incumbent coalition remains in contention. The election outcome will likely involve negotiations and could see significant shifts in policy, especially in the welfare system.