Parliament rejects Andersson as government talks continue

Sweden’s parliament rejected Magdalena Andersson as prime minister, with 248 votes against and 99 in favour, SVT reported. The next person to receive a mandate to explore forming a government remains unclear.

Andersson could be given the task again because the parties supporting her still hold a majority in parliament. The Centre, Social Democratic and Green parties want Moderate Party leader Ulf Kristersson to get a chance to form a government, while the Left Party wants the task handed to Centre Party leader Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist.

If Andersson is given another mandate, pressure will be high to secure support for a government. Another defeat in a prime ministerial vote would bring Sweden closer to a snap election. “A snap election would be a political failure,” Thand Ringqvist said earlier on Thursday.

There is also no indication at present that Kristersson could win a majority, leaving the situation deadlocked. Speaker Andreas Norlén held talks on Thursday with all party leaders except Andersson. He is expected to announce the next steps on Friday.

SVT political commentator Elisabeth Marmorstein said the vote had gone as expected. The Left Party’s main demand remains a place in government, but Marmorstein said it may be more willing to compromise as the prospect of a snap election draws closer. She said a party can secure much of its agenda while supporting a government, citing the Sweden Democrats’ role in the Tidö cooperation.

A centre-right arrangement in which the Centre Party governed with the Moderates, Liberals and Christian Democrats has also been discussed. Marmorstein said it was unlikely the Sweden Democrats would accept such a deal without concessions. She said she expects a government to be formed and does not think the process will lead to a snap election.