Swedish PM Kristersson to resign as opposition wins election

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has submitted his resignation to the parliamentary speaker following the completion of the vote count in the country’s election, SVT reports.

According to final results, the centre-left opposition secured 176 seats, while the four parties behind the Tidö Agreement — the Moderate Party, Sweden Democrats, Christian Democrats and Liberals — won a combined 173 seats. The opposition’s lead amounted to 50,359 votes.

Kristersson noted that the outcome could complicate the formation of a new government, as statements made by parties ahead of the vote could become an obstacle to potential coalitions and candidates for prime minister.

The election result has put Social Democratic Party leader Magdalena Andersson in line for a return as prime minister after four years in opposition, although she still faces negotiations over the formation of a new government.

Until a new government takes office, Kristersson and the other ministers will remain in their positions in a caretaker capacity.

By Jeyhun Aghazada