Åkesson’s government offer shocks Sweden’s Centre Party

Several members of Sweden’s Centre Party were “shocked” by Jimmie Åkesson’s latest statement on government formation, SVT reports. The party is preparing a response after the Sweden Democrats leader said his party was willing to tolerate a centre-right government.

The Centre Party has called a news conference for Friday afternoon to present a “new initiative” from its parliamentary group and party board, which met on Thursday evening. Government formation was discussed at the meeting, according to SVT sources.

The reactions from the Social Democrats and the Left Party were more muted. Social Democrat Anders Ygeman said Åkesson’s statement changed nothing, arguing that a government led by Ulf Kristersson would still depend entirely on the Sweden Democrats.

Left Party deputy leader Ida Gabrielsson said the parliamentary arithmetic remained unchanged and that supporting Kristersson would mean accepting a government dependent on the Sweden Democrats.

According to SVT, the Sweden Democrats’ statement is not expected to prompt the Left Party to change its position. Giving up its demand for ministerial posts to secure the Centre Party’s support for Magdalena Andersson is not under consideration, the broadcaster reported.