Key facts
- Centre Party leader Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist tasked with exploring government formation.
- Parliament speaker Andreas Norlen gave Thand Ringqvist one week to meet other parties.
- Magdalena Andersson's bid to form a minority cabinet was rejected on October 16, 2026.
- Andersson stated her government talks failed on October 19, 2026.
Sweden's parliament speaker, Andreas Norlen, has asked Centre Party leader Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist to explore the possibility of forming a new government, giving her one week to consult with other parties. This move follows the failure of Social Democrats leader Magdalena Andersson to form a government after her bloc secured a narrow majority in the recent election. Andersson announced on Monday that her talks with potential coalition partners had foundered due to divisions, particularly between the centrist Center Party and the socialist Left Party. Lawmakers had previously rejected Andersson's bid for a minority cabinet on October 16, 2026. The ongoing political deadlock leaves Sweden without a new government, potentially allowing the outgoing right-wing bloc to remain in power despite losing the election.