Close race in Sweden as hard right eyes role in government
Sweden is facing a tight general election between left-wing and right-wing blocs, with the conservative Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson seeking to form a coalition that includes the hard-right Sweden Democrats. Polls indicate a narrow lead for the left-wing bloc led by the Social Democrats.
Why it matters
The potential inclusion of the Sweden Democrats, a party with neo-Nazi roots, in government represents a significant shift in Swedish political norms.
Image source, Getty Images/Anadolu Image caption, Magdalena Andersson is narrowly ahead of Ulf Kristersson as favourite to be Sweden's prime minister
Sweden's left- and right wing political blocs are in a tight race in Sunday's general election, with current conservative Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson promising cabinet jobs for hard-right allies if he remains at the helm.
Latest polls show a narrow lead for the left grouping, which is backing the Social Democrats' Magdalena Andersson to return to power.
Kristersson has been supported in government by the hard-right Sweden Democrats (SD), who have neo-Nazi roots.
National security, gang crime and welfare spending are among the key issues, but the potential for the anti-immigration SD to enter government could also influence the outcome.
In Sweden, there are two major political blocs - with four parties on the right and four on the left, so Swedes are used to coalition and minority governments.
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