Swedes vote in election that could usher far right into government
Sweden is holding a highly contested general election on September 13, 2026, featuring a tight race between the ruling right-wing bloc and the centre-left opposition. The outcome may result in the first government inclusion of the far-right Sweden Democrats.
Why it matters
The election represents a potential shift in European political norms regarding immigration and the influence of far-right parties in government.
Swedes were voting in a closely fought election on Sunday (September 13, 2026) that will either bring a far-right party into government for the first time or shift the country back towards the liberalism it has long been known for.
Sweden's centre-left opposition holds a narrow lead over the ruling right-wing bloc ahead of the September 13 election for parliament, several opinion polls have shown this week.
But Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who has trailed in opinion polls throughout his four years in office, has been catching up in the final weeks of campaigning, with rival Magdalena Andersson and her Social Democrats losing ground.
Mr. Kristersson has pledged to bring the far-right Sweden Democrats into government if his bloc wins.
"We can unify parties, voters and issues into joint action. That's why we get things done," he told reporters this week.
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