Sweden is holding a general election with polls indicating a very tight race between the left and right blocs. The far-right Sweden Democrats may enter government for the first time, a move that would break a long-standing political taboo.
The election outcome could see the far-right Sweden Democrats enter government for the first time, potentially shifting the country's political direction on issues such as immigration and law and order.
Voting is underway in Sweden's general election, with the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD) potentially entering government for the first time. The election campaign has been unusually heated and polarized, marked by personal attacks, accusations of misinformation, and "Maga-inspired" advertisements.
Polls suggest an extremely tight race, with one survey showing a mere 0.3 percentage point difference between the left and right blocs. Polling stations opened at 8 a.m. local time, and a record 3.6 million voters have already participated in early voting. Initial exit polls are expected at 8 p.m. local time, followed by a forecast from broadcaster SVT an hour later, with preliminary vote counts anticipated between 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.
The right-leaning bloc, known as the Tidö parties, has been in power for four years and consists of the Moderates, Christian Democrats, and Liberals, with SD playing a supporting role. The opposition left-leaning bloc includes the Social Democrats, the Centre party, the Green party, and the Left party. Social Democrats leader Magdalena Andersson cast her vote in Stockholm.
The rightwing coalition broke a long-standing taboo in 2022 by partnering with SD, a party with neo-Nazi roots that has sought to moderate its image by downplaying overtly racist rhetoric and focusing on immigration as a cause of crime. Following four years in a supporting role, SD is seeking a more prominent position in government, including key ministerial posts, if the right-leaning coalition wins.
SD's campaign slogan, "make Sweden Sweden again," echoed Donald Trump's "make America great again." Controversial bus advertisements, such as "Do you miss Mogadishu? The repatriation grant will help you get home," were removed after drivers refused to operate the vehicles. SD leader Jimmie Åkesson faced accusations of sexism during a TV debate with Andersson. Another SD figure, Gustav Gellerbrant, faced scrutiny after his partner, a Russian civil servant for SD, was linked to Russian state actors and propaganda, prompting Gellerbrant to take leave.
Andersson stated that the campaign had been "a tale of two sides" with "lies and bickering," but expressed confidence in "sensible people" and the focus on "winning and setting a new direction for Sweden." Musician Benny Andersson of Abba performed a reworked version of "Mamma Mia" for Social Democrat supporters. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson of the Moderates focused on penalty discounts for criminals, accusing Andersson of not supporting female rape victims, an accusation she countered by stating he was weaponizing men's violence against women. Voters identified healthcare, law and order, immigration, and the economy as key issues, though much of the debate has centered on personal finance and party promises.