Story perspectives

Sweden’s left bloc wins narrow Riksdag majority

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 2:04 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Sweden’s left-leaning opposition won a narrow majority in the 349-seat Riksdag.
The election on 17 September 2026 gave the left bloc 176 seats, three more than the right coalition.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced his resignation following the result.
Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson called for a government focused on climate, schools, healthcare, elderly care and immigration.

History

Historical Context

In the 19 September 1976 election, the Social Democratic Party’s 44-year hold on the Riksdag ended as a Centre-People’s-Moderate coalition installed Thorbjörn Fälldin as prime minister, the first non-socialist leader since 1936. Six decades later, the 2026 vote returned the Social Democrats under Magdalena Andersson to power with 176 seats, echoing that historic swing.

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Story summary

Sweden’s left-leaning opposition won a narrow majority in the 349-seat Riksdag.
The election on 17 September 2026 gave the left bloc 176 seats, three more than the right coalition.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced his resignation following the result.
Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson called for a government focused on climate, schools, healthcare, elderly care and immigration.

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