Sweden's Andersson begins coalition talks after left-wing bloc wins slim majority

September 18, 2026 at 10:55 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Sweden's opposition leader Magdalena Andersson began formal talks on Friday to form a coalition government after the left-wing bloc won 176 of 349 parliamentary seats. Parliament Speaker Andreas Norlen tasked Andersson with forming a government following Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's resignation on Thursday. Andersson has until September 28 to secure a coalition, even as the liberal Centre Party refuses to support a government that includes the Left Party.

Key Facts

The left-wing bloc won 176 of 349 seats in Sweden's parliament, a three-seat majority.
Magdalena Andersson has until September 28 to form a government.
The Left Party demands cabinet posts for its MPs in exchange for supporting Andersson.
The Centre Party refuses to support a government that includes the Left Party.
If Andersson fails, Ulf Kristersson, whose centre-right bloc won 173 seats, will attempt to form a coalition.

Coalition Negotiations

Magdalena Andersson, leader of the Social Democrats, was formally tasked by Parliament Speaker Andreas Norlen on Friday to begin efforts to form a new government. Andersson said in an Instagram statement that she undertakes the task with humility and will act constructively to put together a new government. She called on all political forces to put party tactics aside and put Sweden and the Swedish people first. Andersson is expected to seek support from the Greens, the Centre Party, and the Left Party.

Political Obstacles

The socialist Left Party says Andersson must award some of its MPs cabinet posts to win their support. The liberal Centre Party insists it will not support a government that includes the Left Party. Andersson has until September 28 to form a government. If she fails, Ulf Kristersson, whose centre-right bloc won 173 seats, will try to form a coalition.

Swedish Political Context

Coalition and minority governments are common in Sweden because the country has two major left- and right-wing blocs, each containing four parties. The process of forming a government following the 2022 election took more than a month.