Sweden’s opposition leader, Magdalena Andersson, has begun efforts to form a new government after the country’s left-wing bloc secured a narrow majority in last week’s general election.
The leader of the centre-left Social Democratic Party was asked by Parliament Speaker Andreas Norlén on Friday to explore the possibility of forming a coalition government following the resignation of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Andersson said she would work constructively with other political parties and urged them to put political differences aside in the interest of Sweden and its people.
The left-wing bloc won 176 of Sweden’s 349 parliamentary seats, giving it a slim three-seat majority. Andersson is expected to seek support from the Green Party, Centre Party and Left Party.
However, forming a government could prove difficult. The Left Party has indicated that it wants some of its lawmakers to receive cabinet positions in exchange for support, while the Centre Party has said it will not back such a government.
Andersson has until September 28 to form a government. If she fails, outgoing Prime Minister Kristersson could be given another opportunity to form an administration.
Coalition and minority governments are common in Sweden, where political power is largely divided between left- and right-wing blocs.
Tags
World News