Swedish Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson has announced that she is ending her attempt to form a new government, saying she currently lacks the parliamentary support necessary to secure power.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Andersson said she would inform the speaker of parliament that she was unable to form a government under the current political circumstances.
“I can conclude that there is currently no possibility for me to form a government,” Andersson said.
The decision follows a significant political development over the weekend, when the Left Party indicated it would support a candidate from the rival Moderate Party for the role of speaker of parliament.
According to Andersson, that move altered the political landscape and weakened her efforts to build a governing coalition. She argued that the decision effectively created a new parliamentary alignment between the Left Party and the Moderates, making it more difficult for her to secure the support needed to govern.
The center-left bloc won a narrow majority in Sweden’s 349-seat Riksdag during the September 13 election, securing 176 seats compared with 173 seats for the right-leaning alliance. The center-left grouping consists of the Social Democrats, Left Party, Green Party, and Centre Party.
Despite that numerical advantage, disagreements among parties have complicated negotiations over forming a government and allocating key parliamentary positions.
Andersson also pointed to Sweden’s parliamentary tradition, under which the largest party within a governing coalition typically holds the position of speaker. Given recent developments surrounding the speaker election, she said it would now be reasonable for the parties supporting that arrangement to explore whether they can form a government themselves
Her attempt to build a new administration began after outgoing Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson requested to be relieved of his duties. Parliament Speaker Andreas Norlén subsequently tasked Andersson with exploring possible government formations following consultations with party leaders.
When asked whether she had given up her ambition of returning as prime minister, Andersson indicated that the current circumstances do not allow her to proceed but left the door open to future developments.
“How things develop in the coming weeks remains to be seen,” she said.
The announcement leaves Sweden facing continued political uncertainty as parties seek a viable path toward forming a stable government capable of commanding parliamentary support.
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