Gabrielsson calls speaker vote dispute “dishonest theatre”

Vänsterpartiet deputy leader Ida Gabrielsson accused the Social Democrats and Centre Party of making false claims about an agreement on the parliamentary speaker vote, calling the dispute “the most dishonest theatre” she had ever experienced. SVT reported that she responded on X after the parties’ representatives discussed the issue on Tuesday’s episode of Aktuellt.

The controversy followed Vänsterpartiet’s decision to vote for Moderate Party MP Andreas Norlén as speaker of the Riksdag. Centre Party deputy leader Rickard Nordin said the group leaders had held “constructive talks” about the speaker vote and committee positions, and that Vänsterpartiet’s decision had broken those discussions.

“It makes me disappointed, and also shows that it is difficult to work with V when it comes to trust and confidence,” Nordin said. Social Democrat Anders Ygeman also criticised the party, saying it had broken parliamentary practices and traditions, as well as voters’ expectations.

Gabrielsson said the Centre Party had falsely claimed that Vänsterpartiet had reached an agreement with the Tidö side on the speaker vote. She also criticised the Social Democrats and Centre Party for not appearing on Monday’s Aktuellt, where she said she could have responded to their claims.

Both the Social Democrats and the Centre Party want Moderate leader Ulf Kristersson to receive the exploratory assignment to try to form a government. They argue that the political grouping that backed Norlén should also be given the chance to be tested in government negotiations. Vänsterpartiet has said it wants talks between the Social Democrats, Vänsterpartiet, the Centre Party and the Green Party to try to form a government.