Sweden faces tight election showdown
Summary
Sweden heads into a tight general election that could oust the centre-right government, with healthcare, welfare and security dominating the campaign. The centre-left Social Democrats lead polls, while Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s bloc and the Sweden Democrats are trying to close the gap.
Key Points
- Sweden is holding a closely contested general election amid concerns over healthcare, welfare and security.
- Polls give the centre-left opposition led by the Social Democrats a narrow lead over Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s centre-right bloc and its ally, the Sweden Democrats.
- The right-wing bloc is campaigning on crime and immigration, while the left is promising higher taxes on banks and high incomes to fund public services.
- The Sweden Democrats could enter government for the first time if the right wins, after gaining major influence in Kristersson’s coalition
