Sweden exit poll points to left-wing win, setback for far right
An exit poll in Sweden suggests former Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and her left-wing coalition are on course to return to power, edging out a right-wing alliance that includes the far-right Sweden Democrats.
According to public broadcaster SVT, exit polling shows the Social Democrat-led left bloc taking around 51.3% of the vote, against roughly 46.8% for incumbent Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's right-wing alliance. If confirmed, the result would return Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson to the premiership.
Throughout the campaign, Andersson repeatedly urged voters not to give ministerial power to a party she described as extremist with 'neo-Nazi' roots — the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats. Kristersson, leader of the conservative Moderate party, had pledged to work more closely with the Sweden Democrats and, for the first time, offer them cabinet seats if he won.
Sweden's proportional representation system means exit polls have not always proven accurate, and a clearer picture is expected later Sunday night once broadcasters update their forecasts after more districts report results. Whoever wins, party leaders are expected to need weeks to finalize a coalition agreement.
Speaking to POLITICO on Sunday, Andersson noted that Swedish elections are traditionally close, and said voters she met expressed both approval of government actions and frustration with others. She also acknowledged that even a left-bloc victory would not eliminate the Sweden Democrats' influence, particularly if the final margin proves narrow.
The election is seen as a watershed moment for Sweden, marking the first real prospect of a far-right party entering government. The outcome is being closely watched elsewhere in Europe, where populist nationalist parties continue to gain ground.
