Ulf Kristersson

Sweden remains deadlocked after an election in which the centre-left bloc won 176 seats to 173, yet Magdalena Andersson gave up trying to form a government. The Left Party's decision to back a Moderate for Speaker angered her bloc, the Centre Party refuses any deal giving influence to the Sweden Democrats or the Left, and Jimmie Åkesson won't support a government without SD. Ulf Kristersson, despite leading the smaller bloc, may now attempt to form a government.

Magdalena Andersson, leader of Sweden's Social Democrats, has handed back the government mandate to the Speaker after the Left Party shifted position, ending her attempt to form a government. The move deepens Sweden's political deadlock following an election that left no bloc with a clear majority, and attention now turns to whether the Speaker will give Ulf Kristersson of the Moderates the next chance to form a government.

Sweden's government formation talks continue after the election, with Christian Democrat leader Ebba Busch saying she has a plan and that "there is a way forward", while confirming an afternoon meeting on the Ulf Kristersson question. Moderate sources suggest Kristersson should decline any exploratory mandate, and Busch says her bloc is well positioned should an extra election be called. Magdalena Andersson has urged the Centre and Liberal parties to backtrack, while the right says it is ready to govern if given the chance.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has stated that Sweden stands behind Estonia following an attack attributed to Russia. The declaration of solidarity comes amid heightened tensions in the Baltic region, and is drawing attention in Sweden and across the Nordic and Baltic countries as discussions continue about regional security and support for Estonia.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is drawing attention in Sweden, with his name circulating widely on social media. No specific event or statement has been confirmed as the trigger for the discussion. Observers are speculating about possible government news, but nothing has been substantiated at this time.