Sweden holds a general election this Sunday, a vote that could unseat Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s center-right coalition. While polls suggest a potential victory for the center-left opposition led by the Social Democratic Party, experts warn the race remains tight.
Data from three polls over the past week show the four left-wing parties polling at roughly 50%, while the four right-wing parties sit at about 47%. Political scientist Jan Teorell noted that while the left holds a significant lead, “there is still some intrigue.”
Campaign priorities
The campaign has focused on healthcare, social welfare, and European security. The right-wing bloc, which includes the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, is fighting to maintain its influence by emphasizing crime and migration. However, Jan Teorell noted that these issues have lost some of their urgency compared to previous years, as crime rates and fuel prices have declined.
Social Democratic Party leader and opposition figure Magdalena Andersson stated that voters face a clear choice: “A Sweden where people have jobs and we can improve welfare,” or a country with a government dominated by the Sweden Democrats—a party founded by neo-Nazis. The Sweden Democrats, currently the second-largest party with about 20% support, are seeking to enter government for the first time.
Security and foreign policy
National security has taken on added importance following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which prompted Sweden to end decades of military non-alignment and join NATO. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson responded sharply to reports from the watchdog organization Expo that a Sweden Democrats civil servant had been spreading pro-Russian propaganda, stating: “We are in the middle of a European war, you cannot have people who spread pro-Russian narratives working in parliament.”
Despite the political rivalry, a consensus remains between the government and the opposition regarding NATO membership and defense policy. Jan Teorell predicts that even if the left wins, no major changes are expected in this area. Meanwhile, the left has pledged to raise taxes on banks and high-income earners to provide additional funding for social programs.
Source: Euronews
