Sweden votes as far-right eyes first place in government

Swedes have prepared to vote in a pivotal general election that will either bring a far-right party into government for the first time or shift the Scandinavian nation back towards its traditional centre-left governance.

Ahead of the September 13, parliamentary ballot, Sweden's centre-left opposition holds a narrow lead over the ruling right-wing bloc across recent opinion polls, pointing to a potential change of administration.

However, conservative Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has closed the gap in the campaign's closing stretch, with rival Magdalena Andersson and her Social Democrats ceding ground.

Supporters of the governing right-wing alliance maintain that its policies have effectively curtailed gang violence and reduced immigration levels, arguing a victory would endorse extending that mandate.

"We can unify parties, voters and issues into joint action. That's why we get things done," Kristersson, who has pledged to include the far-right Sweden Democrats in a formal coalition, told reporters this week.

Critics counter that the government's policies erode civil liberties and force immigrants into rigid cultural conformity under punitive measures.

Coalition mathematics

Polling stations across the nation of 10 million people open at 8 am (06:00 GMT), with exit polls expected after voting concludes at 18:00 GMT.

A strong showing by Jimmie Akesson's Sweden Democrats would mirror gains by European far-right movements following recent regional wins by the Alternative for Germany.

While the right has agreed to form a four-party cabinet led by Kristersson, the election outcome may hinge on whether the Liberals surpass the 4 percent threshold required to secure parliamentary seats.

Andersson’s path to a majority remains more precarious.

Although the Social Democrats, Greens, Left Party, and Centre Party agree on boosting welfare spending, internal divisions persist over immigration, a proposed billionaire tax, and nuclear expansion, and the Centre Party refuses to enter a formal coalition with the Left.

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Source: TRT