Close race in Sweden as hard right eyes role in government

In Sweden's tight race for the general election, the left and right wing political blocs are currently neck and neck, with the centre-left Social Democrats leading the polls. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, a conservative, has promised cabinet jobs for hard-right allies if he remains in power. The Sweden Democrats, a hard-right party with neo-Nazi roots, are the wildcard that could sway the outcome, having recently become Sweden's second-largest party.

The left grouping, supporting the Social Democrats' Magdalena Andersson, is currently ahead by 3.2%, with the right-wing bloc trailing behind at 47.6%. The centre-left Social Democrats have been leading the country since World War Two, while the Sweden Democrats, founded by Nazi sympathizers in the 1980s, have made significant strides in recent years.

National security, gang crime, and welfare spending are among the key issues in the election, but the potential for the Sweden Democrats to enter government could heavily influence the result. Despite controversies surrounding the party, including allegations of pro-Russian messages on social media, their leader Jimmie Åkesson assures that the party is investigating the claims.

Political scientists suggest that while the Sweden Democrats' entry into government would be a significant step in normalizing the party, it may not be the main factor for voters. However, a small number of voters who would have supported center-right parties might switch their allegiance to the opposition due to concerns about the party's presence in government.