Sweden general election: close race as far right eyes role in government – Europe live
Sweden is holding a general election with a tight race between the incumbent centre-right coalition and the centre-left. The outcome may see the far-right Sweden Democrats gain ministerial posts for the first time.
Why it matters
The potential inclusion of the far-right in government represents a significant shift in European political norms and policy direction.
We kick off our coverage of the 2026 Swedish parliamentary election which could see the far right enter government for the first time if the country’s rightwing parties can form a majority – or a new centre-left government take control instead.
Voters take part in Sweden’s general election in the Stockholm region on Sunday. Photograph: Joel Lindhe/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock As our Nordic correspondent Miranda Bryant noted in her preview,
“In 2022, the current prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, the leader of the centre-right Moderates, broke a longstanding taboo to make a deal with the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD), so that his minority coalition could form a government.
Also covering this story
2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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