Sweden government formation: Kristersson granted extension

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has been granted an additional week by Speaker Andreas Norlen to attempt to form a new government. This extension follows the failure of previous attempts to establish a majority after the September election.

Kristersson is exploring a right-wing bloc consisting of the Moderate Party, Centre Party, Christian Democrats, and Liberals. The process may be aided by the Sweden Democrats dropping their previous demands for cabinet seats. Meanwhile, Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson has expressed readiness to undertake a parallel exploratory mandate. She has proposed a government consisting of the Social Democrats, Centre Party, and Green Party, with the Left Party acting as a support party.

Negotiations remain complex as the Left Party has declined to participate in discussions, and the Centre Party has indicated it will not support a government that includes the Left Party. Two prime ministerial votes have already failed, and two more remain possible before an extra election must be called.