Jimmie Åkesson reportedly plans break if Sweden Democrats enter opposition

Sweden's left-wing opposition appears set to secure a narrow majority in the country's general election, with 99.9% of votes counted on Thursday. The four-party left-wing bloc, led by Social Democrats' Magdalena Andersson, holds a three-seat lead in the 349-seat parliament over the right-wing alliance headed by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

The final vote count is expected to be completed on Thursday, with only about 40,000 votes separating the two sides in a nation of 10.6 million inhabitants. However, Andersson's ability to unite her deeply divided bloc, comprised of the Social Democrats, the Left Party, the Greens Party, and the Centre Party, will be crucial. Andersson, Sweden's first female prime minister from 2021 to 2022 and finance minister for seven years prior, is known for her direct and pragmatic approach.

The negotiations to form a government could span weeks, and if Andersson fails, Kristersson could attempt to build his own majority. The Centre Party, a key player in this process, has refused to support a government that includes Left Party cabinet positions, a stance that the Left Party insists on. Andersson has previously ruled out such a government but is eager to govern with their backing in parliament.

The election's outcome will likely be confirmed on September 29, with Kristersson potentially resigning at any point before then, allowing parliament's speaker to initiate talks with party leaders to appoint Andersson as prime minister. Kristersson expressed his respect for Andersson's efforts to form a government while wishing her luck, emphasizing his desire to find a majority among non-socialist parties.

The Centre Party leader stressed that the party had entered the election with the belief that extreme parties should not dominate the government.