Andersson gives up attempt to form Swedish government after Left Party’s stance

The formation of a government in Sweden remains uncertain, despite the center-left bloc winning the majority of parliamentary seats in elections held this month.

Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson said that, under the circumstances, she could not secure the numbers needed to lead the country.

The decision was announced after the Left Party said over the weekend that it would vote for the candidate of the rival Moderate Party for the post of parliamentary speaker. Andersson assessed that this position had weakened her efforts to form a government cabinet.

In the September 13 elections, the center-left coalition won 176 seats, giving it an advantage of just three seats over the ruling right-wing bloc, led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Because of the narrow margin, the votes of the parties in this bloc are decisive.

Andersson announced that she would inform the parliamentary speaker that she was unable to form a government. After that, he will determine which leader to task with seeking support in Parliament. This process could also be entrusted to Kristersson, although his coalition came second in the election.