Coalition pledge may cost Svantesson finance minister role

Elisabeth Svantesson (Moderates) is unlikely to lose the finance minister post to a Sweden Democrat, but the party’s promise of cabinet seats to the far-right risks her position by alienating liberal urban voters, SVT reports in an analysis.

The Moderates’ pre-election deal to include Sweden Democrats in government has emboldened SD leader Jimmie Åkesson to demand half of all ministerial posts, including three senior portfolios. While Svantesson has dismissed fears of an SD finance minister, the pact complicates efforts to win back voters turned off by the alliance.

Internal party strategy documents acknowledge that the SD collaboration has driven away key voter groups, particularly women in major cities. Though Svantesson’s job may be safe from SD, the analysis suggests she could still be replaced by a Social Democrat if the current trends hold.