Sweden Election Puts Far Right and Centre Left in Tight Race

Swedish voters head to the polls on Sunday in a closely contested parliamentary election that could either bring the far-right Sweden Democrats into government for the first time or return the country to centre-left leadership.

Opinion polls ahead of the September 13 Sweden election show the centre-left opposition holding a narrow advantage over Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s right-wing bloc. However, Kristersson has gained ground during the final weeks of campaigning as support for Magdalena Andersson’s Social Democrats has weakened.

Kristersson’s supporters argue that his government has reduced gang violence and sharply lowered immigration. The prime minister has pledged to include the Sweden Democrats in a four-party government alongside the Moderates, Christian Democrats and Liberals if the right wins.

“We can unify parties, voters and issues into joint action. That’s why we get things done,” Kristersson said this week.

Andersson has criticized the government’s policies, arguing that Sweden has become a “harder” and “poorer” society while households struggle with weaker purchasing power and below-potential economic growth.

A strong Sweden Democrats result would reinforce a broader European trend of growing support for far-right parties, following recent gains by Germany’s anti-immigration Alternative for Germany.

The Liberals could prove decisive. The party must secure at least 4% of the vote to enter parliament, making its performance crucial to the right-wing bloc’s chances of retaining power.

Andersson faces her own challenges in forming a government. The Social Democrats, Greens, Left Party and Centre Party broadly support increased welfare and public spending but remain divided over immigration, billionaire taxation and new nuclear power projects.

The Centre Party also refuses to back a government containing the Left Party, complicating coalition negotiations.

Despite their differences, Sweden’s main political blocs largely agree on continued support for Ukraine, strengthening the military and providing relief to households facing cost-of-living pressures.

Polling stations open at 8 a.m. local time and close at 6 p.m., with exit polls expected shortly afterward.