Far-right Democrats seek government positions in Swedish coalition talks
Far-right Democrats demand government positions in post-election coalition negotiations.
Event / Politics
Swedish Legislative Election 2026
Swedish legislative elections held on September 13, 2026, featuring a competitive race between the left-wing Social Democrats led by former PM Magdalena Andersson and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's right-wing coalition government. The election outcome will determine the direction of Sweden's governance on health, purchasing power, immigration policy, and crime reduction, with potential implications for far-right Sweden Democrats' political influence.
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2026-09-13 to 2026-11-06 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 13 Sept, 12:29 UTC
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What happened
Swedish legislative elections held on September 13, 2026
Sweden held legislative elections on Sunday, September 13, 2026. Approximately eight million voters were eligible to participate, with more than half having already voted by advance ballot. Polling stations opened at 8:00 AM and closed at 8:00 PM, with exit polls expected at closing time.
Ulf Kristersson sought re-election as Swedish Prime Minister
Right-wing Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, in office since 2022, sought a new mandate in the 2026 election. His campaign focused on making Sweden 'safer, better, and more Swedish,' referencing reduced murders and crimes as well as increased recognition for successful entrepreneurs. He emphasized the government's strict immigration policies and anti-gang violence measures.
Magdalena Andersson led left-wing bloc seeking return to power
Social Democrat Magdalena Andersson led the left-wing opposition bloc seeking to return to power. Andersson had previously served as Prime Minister in 2021 and 2022. The left-wing campaign focused on health policy and purchasing power, with Andersson criticizing the current government for making Sweden 'harder' and 'poorer' with reduced economic growth and declining household purchasing power.
Sweden's right-wing coalition government formed in 2022 allied with far-right in parliament
Prime Minister Kristersson's right-wing coalition government, formed in 2022, maintained a parliamentary alliance with the far-right Sweden Democrats despite the party not holding ministerial positions. The coalition had been trailing in polls for several months before the campaign's final weeks.
Swedish far-right Democrats promised government positions if right-wing coalition wins
Prime Minister Kristersson promised ministerial positions to the Sweden Democrats (SD), an anti-immigration far-right party, if his coalition won the election. The party was already allied with Kristersson's coalition in parliament. If implemented, this would mark the first time the Sweden Democrats entered the Swedish government.
Jimmie Åkesson declared victory for Sweden Democrats before election results
Jimmie Åkesson, leader of the Sweden Democrats and architect of the party's mainstream repositioning, declared 'We have already won!' at a campaign rally in central Stockholm on Saturday evening before the election. Åkesson emphasized the party's Islamophobic and pro-Ukraine positions.
Swedish election marked by tight race between left and right blocs
The Swedish election featured an extremely close contest between two blocs. The right-wing coalition government and the left-wing opposition bloc were essentially tied in final polling, with an Ipsos survey showing 49% support for the right and 49.3% for the left. Pre-election surveys showed the race too close to predict a clear winner.
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2 alternative perspectives
Sweden's Left and Right Blocs Head to Election Day Showdown
Sweden votes September 13 in closely contested election between left and right blocs.