Andersson resumes talks to form Sweden’s next government

Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson has resumed efforts to find a government that can win parliamentary support, after Speaker Andreas Norlén returned the exploratory assignment to her on Friday, SVT reported.

The renewed talks formally begin on Monday. Andersson is due to report back to Norlén on October 12, when she can either ask for more time or end the process. If she ends it, a parliamentary vote on the prime minister could take place no earlier than October 14.

Norlén said he had spoken with the other party leaders and deputy speakers and concluded that Andersson remained best placed to form a government tolerated by parliament. He said the parliamentary balance had not changed since the election: the red-green bloc has more seats than the Tidö parties.

Andersson and Norlén have agreed that the assignment should conclude with a vote in parliament. Norlén said he regarded this as a continuation of the same process, describing events earlier in the week as “a hiccup”.

Andersson had returned the assignment after the Left Party voted for Norlén as speaker rather than supporting the Social Democrats’ candidate. Norlén said the parties should now move past the dispute and called for reflection and reconsideration. How much extra time Andersson would receive if she asks for an extension remains undecided.