Sweden’s parliament, the Riksdag, set Nov. 17 for Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to report on government talks; Reuters reported opposition leader Magdalena Andersson is also seeking a chance to form a government.
The Social Democrat-led bloc finished ahead in September’s election, but the Greens, Left Party and Centre Party have not committed to backing Andersson, Reuters reported. Reuters reported that Andersson needs their support in a prime ministerial vote and that Kristersson’s bloc has lost its majority.
The negotiations follow an earlier parliamentary vote on Thand Ringqvist’s bid to become prime minister.
Reuters reported that Kristersson took up the government-formation task after the Sweden Democrats dropped their demand for cabinet seats. Reuters reported that the move could make Centre Party support easier to secure. Reuters reported that Andersson has urged the Left Party to abandon its demand for a place in government. The Centre Party has ruled out a government that includes the Left and could vote for Kristersson’s right-wing alternative, Reuters reported.
Andersson told news agency TT that talks were beginning to shift, Reuters reported. “My assessment is that things are starting to move now,” she said.
After Kristersson reports on Nov. 17, Speaker Andreas Norlén plans to speak with party representatives from all the other parties before announcing the next stage, the Riksdag said.
