Kristersson warns red lines could leave Sweden without government

Swedish party leaders are beginning difficult coalition talks after a narrowly decided election, SVT reports. With nearly 95 per cent of the votes counted, the opposition has a slight lead, while the final result is expected on Wednesday.

Senior Social Democratic figures met Magdalena Andersson at the party’s offices at Sveavägen 68 on Monday morning to discuss the result and possible government negotiations.

“We are waiting for the final result, but it looks a little better. If this holds, Ulf Kristersson will have to leave and Magdalena Andersson will form a government,” said Anders Ygeman, the Social Democrats’ education policy spokesperson.

“We will continue discussing the situation and, above all, prepare for the result on Wednesday,” said Mikael Damberg, the party’s economic policy spokesperson.

It remains unclear which parties will form the next government or when a governing alliance could be presented.

“We have said all along that we are prepared to cooperate broadly, and hope that more parties are willing to take responsibility,” said Theresa Carvalho, the Social Democrats’ legal policy spokesperson.

The Moderate Party leadership also met on Monday to analyse the election result. Party leader Ulf Kristersson said he planned to take things calmly and hold several talks.

“We have a stable government that is in place and can deal with all the problems we have right now. Then I will return when I see possible ways forward,” he said.

In his election-night speech, Kristersson opened the possibility of continuing to govern without a majority.

“If all the red lines remain in place, Sweden will have no government at all. I intend to focus on a number of possibilities that may exist,” he said.

Social Democrat Morgan Johansson criticised the statement as he arrived at Monday’s party meeting.

“I see Kristersson apparently trying to cling on even if the Tidö government does not have a majority. I think that is undignified,” Johansson said.

All party leaders from the Tidö side are due to meet on Monday evening.

“I promise we will meet tonight, and I promise we will send you a nice picture so you can see what we are eating,” Kristersson said.