Magdalena Andersson first leader tasked with forming new Swedish government

Stockholm, Sep 27 - Following the recent general election, Sweden's parliament speaker has appointed Magdalena Andersson, the leader of the Social Democrats, to attempt forming the next government.

Andersson, who previously served as Sweden's first female prime minister from 2021-2022, faces a challenging task. She must unite a left-wing coalition that has been divided by ideological differences among the parties. The Social Democrats are aiming to form a government with the socialist Left, the liberal Centre Party, and the Greens.

Despite her efforts, Andersson is expected to encounter opposition from the Centre Party, which has indicated it will not support a government that includes cabinet positions for the Left Party. This particular party insists on forming a left-wing government with its members in key positions.

The four left-wing parties collectively hold a three-seat majority over the outgoing prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, and his right-wing alliance, which includes the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats. Andersson will need to present her progress on forming a government by September 28, when the new parliament convenes. If she fails to do so, Kristersson will attempt to build his own majority.