Swedish PM Kristersson rejects automatic ministerial posts for Sweden Democrats in future government

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has stated that party size will not automatically determine ministerial appointments in a potential new Tidö government after the 2026 election, according to an interview with Swedish Radio’s Ekots lördagsintervju published Saturday.

Kristersson, leader of the Moderate Party, dismissed Sweden Democrats (SD) leader Jimmie Åkesson’s claim that SD should hold three of the four most senior cabinet positions if current polling holds. “You can’t say that in advance,” Kristersson said. “A party’s size will always influence its negotiating position, of course, but that’s not the same as a direct allocation of posts.”

The Tidö parties—a coalition of the Moderates, Sweden Democrats, Christian Democrats, and Liberals—have pledged to form a government together if they win the election. Kristersson emphasized that all parties in a coalition must reach consensus on decisions, citing the previous red-green government’s internal blockades as a cautionary example.

When pressed on how SD’s inclusion would change governance, Kristersson deflected, stating, “The important thing is not the difference, but the continuity. Stability and a majority government—that’s the real shift.” He added that the coalition had already demonstrated its ability to negotiate joint policies.