Ringqvist begins talks on a centrist government

Center Party leader Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist has begun exploring the possibility of forming a centrist government, telling SVT she is not ruling anything out in advance.

On Monday, Speaker Andreas Norlén gave Ringqvist the task of exploring options for a government. She said she had scheduled meetings with all party leaders, focusing on those she believes could be part of a centrist government.

Ringqvist must report back to the speaker on Monday, October 26, on whether she has managed to build support for a government. Although all party leaders are due to meet her, they have maintained their red lines.

Asked whether she was prepared to drop her red lines on the Left Party or the Sweden Democrats, Ringqvist said no. She said that was why she was exploring the possibility of a centrist alternative.

Ringqvist said talks with all party leaders were the first step, and that the conditions could lead to a strong government capable of delivering cross-party policies.