Swedish general election, September 2022

Author (Corporate)
Publication Date 2022
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Summary:

Information Guide focusing on the legislative election held in Sweden on 11 September 2022.

Further information:

Parliamentary elections are held in Sweden every four years to elect all member of the national parliament (Riksdag), which in turn elect the Prime Minister. Regional and municipal elections are held on the same day. The electoral system is proportional, with 310 fixed constituency seats and 39 adjustment seats to correct the deviations from proportional national distribution that may arise when allocating the fixed constituency seats. There is a four percent electoral threshold for a party to elect members of parliament.

The electoral campaign took place alongside Sweden's accession to NATO as a result of Russia's decision to invade Ukraine earlier in the year. It also featured issues such as energy, immigration and crime. The pre-election polls suggested a victory for incumbent centre-left Social Democrats (S), and it became apparent that the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD) could emerge as runner-ups ahead of centre-right Moderates (M).

The election resulted in a tight race between the two political blocs. Eventually, the right-wing bloc managed to secure a narrow parliamentary majority (176) due to the electoral growth of the Sweden Democrats, the second most-voted party. The election was nonetheless won by the Social Democrats. Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson (S) conceded defeat on 14 September and offered her resignation. Analysts expected a loose coalition to take shape on the right, led by the Moderates and supported in Parliament by the far-right.

On 19 September, the Moderates leader Ulf Kristersson was handed a mandate to try and form the country's next government.

Related Links
Official
Official Website of the Swedish Election Authority https://www.val.se/
Swedish Parliament: The 2022 election https://www.riksdagen.se/en/the-2022-election/
OSCE: ODIHR: Sweden: General Elections, 11 September 2022 https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/sweden/523610

News
The Local (Sweden): Tag: 2022 Swedish Election https://www.thelocal.se/tag/2022-swedish-election/
EurActiv, 14/02/2022: September elections in Sweden still too close to call https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/september-elections-in-sweden-still-too-close-to-call/
Bloomberg 18/08/2022: Sweden’s Opposition in Narrow Lead Ahead of September Vote https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-18/sweden-s-opposition-in-narrow-lead-ahead-of-september-vote
EurActiv, 23/08/2022: Far-right eurosceptic party surge in polls ahead of Swedish elections https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/far-right-eurosceptic-party-surge-in-polls-ahead-of-swedish-elections/
Le Monde, 30/08/2022: Sweden's right wing is willing to join forces with the far right https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2022/08/30/in-sweden-the-right-is-willing-to-join-forces-with-the-far-right_5995247_4.html
Radio Sweden: Radio Sweden's Election Debate 2022 (31 August 2022) https://sverigesradio.se/artikel/radio-swedens-election-debate-2022
The Guardian, 04/09/2022: Sweden on ‘high alert’ for election interference amid Russia tensions https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/04/sweden-high-alert-election-interference-amid-russia-tensions
Politico, 05/09/2022: Sweden’s narco wars dominate election campaign https://www.politico.eu/article/swedens-narco-war-dominate-election-campaign/
RFI News, 06/09/2022: Three main rivals face off in Sweden's tight election race https://www.rfi.fr/en/people-and-entertainment/20220906-three-main-rivals-face-off-in-sweden-s-tight-election-race
Reuters, 07/09/2022: Once far-right pariah, Sweden Democrats eye kingmaker role https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/once-far-right-pariah-sweden-democrats-eye-kingmaker-role-2022-09-07/
Euronews, 07/09/2022: Sweden election: Russia's actions in Ukraine see Stockholm beef up its fight against disinformation https://www.euronews.com/2022/09/07/sweden-election-russias-actions-in-ukraine-see-stockholm-beef-up-its-fight-against-disinfo
BBC News, 10/09/2022: Sweden election: Gang shootings cast shadow over vote https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62823893
Radio Sweden: Election 2022: Swedish General Election results (Live) https://sverigesradio.se/artikel/swedish-general-election-results-live
Politico, 11/09/2022: Sweden’s right-wing opposition bloc leads tight election https://www.politico.eu/article/swedens-ruling-center-left-takes-slim-lead-in-national-vote-exit-poll/
The Guardian, 11/09/2022: Sweden votes in election amid fears of far-right role in government https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/11/sweden-votes-in-election-amid-fears-of-far-right-role-in-government
France24, 12/09/2022: Anti-immigrant Sweden Democrats leader eyes right-wing election victory https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20220911-sweden-s-right-bloc-has-narrow-lead-as-votes-counted-in-election-cliffhanger
Euronews, 12/09/2022: Sweden election: Right-wing bloc edges ahead, but final result could take days https://www.euronews.com/2022/09/12/sweden-election-right-wing-bloc-edges-ahead-but-final-result-could-take-days
RTÉ News, 12/09/2022: Swedish opposition set to oust government in election https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2022/0911/1321788-sweden-election/
The Guardian, 12/09/2022: Swedish election: far right makes gains but overall result on knife-edge https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/11/swedish-election-exit-polls-far-right
Reuters, 12/09/2022: Swedish right opposition inches ahead in election cliff-hanger https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/swedes-head-polls-close-run-election-marked-by-crime-energy-crisis-2022-09-10/
Euronews, 12/09/2022: Sweden election: Right-wing bloc starts talks to form new government https://www.euronews.com/2022/09/12/sweden-election-right-wing-bloc-edges-ahead-but-final-result-could-take-days
BBC News, 12/09/2022: Sweden election: Result could take days as vote too close to call https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62872545
Bloomberg, 12/09/2022: Swedish Nationalist Set to Take His Party From Pariah to Power https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-12/rock-fan-nationalist-is-the-big-winner-from-sweden-s-election
Le Monde, 12/09/2022: Sweden elections: Far right surges to become country's second-strongest force https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2022/09/12/sweden-elections-far-right-surges-to-become-country-s-second-strongest-force_5996665_4.html
Associated Press (AP News), 12/09/2022: Swedish voters boost anti-immigration party amid high crime https://apnews.com/article/elections-stockholm-sweden-government-and-politics-9a061363b01b3bc53158f49e06edc0b1
Reuters, 13/09/2022: Sweden Democrat surge a chance and a challenge for right-wing PM hopeful https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/sweden-democrat-surge-chance-challenge-right-wing-pm-hopeful-2022-09-13/
EurActiv, 13/09/2022: Swedish far-right vying for PM position ahead of elections results https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/swedish-far-right-vying-for-pm-position-ahead-of-elections-results/
Reuters, 14/09/2022: Swedish right prepares for power as PM accepts election defeat https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/swedish-pm-andersson-concedes-election-right-bloc-prepares-power-2022-09-14/
France24, 14/09/2022: Swedish PM Magdalena Andersson resigns after far-right election win https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20220914-swedish-pm-magdalena-andersson-resigns-after-far-right-election-win
Politico, 14/09/2022: Swedish center-right leader Ulf Kristersson claims election win, faces tough coalition talks https://www.politico.eu/article/swedish-center-right-leader-ulf-kristersson-claims-election-win-faces-tough-coalition-talks/
Euronews, 14/09/2022: Magdalena Andersson: Sweden's PM resigns after conceding election to right-wing https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2022/09/14/swedens-pm-concedes-election-to-right-wing-bloc-and-will-resign-tomorrow
Associated Press (AP News), 14/09/2022: Right-wing bloc wins narrow majority in Swedish parliament https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-4814cf71f9aa5f0224d5795e7597690c
The Guardian, 14/09/2022: Swedish PM resigns after conceding election defeat to rightwing bloc https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/14/swedish-pm-concedes-election-defeat-to-bloc-led-by-far-right-sweden-democrats
EurActiv, 15/09/2022: Swedish right prepares for power as PM accepts election defeat https://www.euractiv.com/section/elections/news/swedish-right-prepares-for-power-as-pm-accepts-election-defeat/
Le Monde, 15/09/2022: Swedish conservatives faced with difficult task of far-right alliance https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2022/09/15/swedish-elections-the-right-wing-will-have-to-ally-with-the-far-right-to-govern_5997029_4.html
Reuters, 19/09/2022: Sweden's Moderate Party leader gets nod to try form a new government https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/swedens-moderate-party-leader-gets-nod-try-form-new-government-2022-09-19/
The Guardian, 19/09/2022: Far-right Sweden Democrats poised to wield influence in new government https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/19/far-right-sweden-democrats-poised-to-wield-influence-in-new-government
EurActiv, 20/09/2022: Coalition talks: far-right still eyes government position https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/coalition-talks-far-right-still-eyes-government-position/
The Irish Times, 21/09/2022: Sweden’s centre-right begins complicated coalition talks https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2022/09/21/swedens-centre-right-begins-complicated-coalition-talks/

Commentary and Analysis
Friedrich Ebert Foundation: IPS Journal, 13/12/2021: Sweden's Social Democrats turn left https://www.ips-journal.eu/topics/future-of-social-democracy/swedens-social-democrats-turn-left-5605/
Stockholm School of Economics (SSE): News, 22/08/2022: Westerberg writes about the Swedish election https://www.hhs.se/en/about-us/news/cssc/2022/westerberg-writes-about-the-swedish-election/
Robert Schuman Foundation: European Elections Monitor (EEM): Analysis, 31/08/2022: Social Democrats lead in polls, but populist Sweden Democrats could make a breakthrough in the 11 September general election https://www.robert-schuman.eu/en/eem/1989-social-democrats-lead-in-polls-but-populist-sweden-democrats-could-make-a-breakthrough-in-the-11-september-general-election
Euro|topics, September 2022: Elections in Sweden: how to tackle violence? https://www.eurotopics.net/en/287885/
Euronews, 06/09/2022: Sweden election: Your quick and easy guide to this month's vote https://www.euronews.com/2022/09/05/sweden-election-your-quick-and-easy-guide-to-this-months-vote
Reuters: Explainer, 06/09/2022: Tough talks beckon for winner in Sweden's close-run election https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/tough-talks-beckon-winner-swedens-close-run-election-2022-09-06/
The Guardian: Interview, 07/09/2022: ‘Deep roots in racist organisations’: Sweden’s PM Magdalena Andersson on the far-right threat in the election https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/07/magdalena-andersson-interview-far-right-threat-sweden-election
Atlantic Council: New Atlanticist Blog, 08/09/2022: Your guide to Sweden’s fringe-driven general election https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/your-guide-to-swedens-fringe-driven-general-election/
Deutsche Welle, 09/09/2022: Sweden's election: What's at stake? https://p.dw.com/p/4Gb6C
Fitch Ratings: Fitch Wire, 09/09/2022: Sweden’s Energy Crisis Response to Take Full Shape After Elections https://www.fitchratings.com/research/sovereigns/swedens-energy-crisis-response-to-take-full-shape-after-elections-09-09-2022
BNP Paribas: Eco Flash No 22-13, 09/09/2022: Can populist forces take power in Sweden? https://economic-research.bnpparibas.com/Views/DisplayPublication.aspx?type=document&IdPdf=46710
Europe Elects: Blog, 10/09/2022: Sweden Parliamentary Elections: Left and Right Down to the Wire on Premiership https://europeelects.eu/2022/09/10/sweden-parliamentary-elections-left-and-right-down-to-the-wire-on-premiership/
Politico: Opinion, 10/09/2022: I don’t recognize Sweden anymore https://www.politico.eu/article/not-recognize-sweden-general-election-2022/
Europe Elects: 2022 Swedish Parliamentary Election Live Blog https://europeelects.eu/2022/09/11/2022-swedish-parliamentary-election-live-blog/
Le Monde, 11/09/2022: Swedish elections: Who are the main candidates for prime minister? https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2022/09/11/swedish-elections-who-are-the-main-candidates-for-prime-minister_5996523_4.html
The Conversation, 12/09/2022: Swedish election: triumph for the nationalist right leaves establishment parties in a quandary https://theconversation.com/swedish-election-triumph-for-the-nationalist-right-leaves-establishment-parties-in-a-quandary-190467
The Economist, 12/09/2022: The teetering north. Sweden’s election remains too close to call https://www.economist.com/europe/2022/09/12/swedens-election-remains-too-close-to-call
The New Statesman, 12/09/2022: Sweden’s tight election could result in a far right-backed government https://www.newstatesman.com/world/europe/2022/09/sweden-election-far-right-government
Deutsche Welle, 13/09/2022: Sweden's election: The astonishing rise of the right-wing Sweden Democrats https://p.dw.com/p/4GlN8
Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA): Analysis, 13/09/2022: Sweden Pays for a Negative Election https://cepa.org/sweden-pays-for-a-negative-election/
Robert Schuman Foundation: European Elections Monitor (EEM): Results, 13/09/2022: Victory for the rightwing and breakthrough for the Sweden Democrats (SD) are now the second largest party following the parliamentary elections https://www.robert-schuman.eu/en/eem/1995-victory-for-the-rightwing-and-breakthrough-for-the-sweden-democrats-sd-are-now-the-second-largest-party-following-the-parliamentary-elections
The Spectator: Coffee House, 14/09/2022: Sweden’s new powerbrokers https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-sweden-s-anti-immigration-party-is-gaining-groun
Deutsche Welle, 15/09/2022: Swedish election: The astonishing rise of the right-wing Sweden Democrats https://p.dw.com/p/4GlN8
London School of Economics (LSE): EUROPP Blog, 15/09/2022: Sweden’s general election: Winners, losers, and what happens next https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2022/09/15/swedens-general-election-winners-losers-and-what-happens-next/
The Conversation, 15/09/2022: Swedish election: what we know so far about the influence the nationalist right will have in the new government https://theconversation.com/swedish-election-what-we-know-so-far-about-the-influence-the-nationalist-right-will-have-in-the-new-government-190789
BBC News, 15/09/2022: Sweden election: How an ex neo-Nazi movement became kingmakers https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62913356
Foreign Policy: Argument, 15/09/2022: The Left’s Negative Campaigning Helped the Right Win in Sweden https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/09/15/the-lefts-negative-campaigning-helped-the-right-win-in-sweden/
The Economist, 15/09/2022: Demonising nationalist parties has not stemmed their rise in Europe https://www.economist.com/europe/2022/09/15/demonising-nationalist-parties-has-not-stemmed-their-rise-in-europe
The Guardian: Commentary, 15/09/2022: The far right’s triumph in my country reveals a very Swedish brand of intolerance https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/sep/15/far-right-sweden-intolerance-liberalism-election-results
The New Statesman: Quickfire, 16/09/2022: Sweden’s socialist utopia is crumbling https://www.newstatesman.com/quickfire/2022/09/sweden-election-result-socialist-utopia-crumbling
Investigate Europe: Opinion, 16/09/2022: Uneasy Sweden: far-right election success takes a once fringe movement mainstream https://www.investigate-europe.eu/en/2022/uneasy-sweden-far-right-election-success-takes-a-once-fringe-movement-mainstream/
Euronews, 16/09/2022: Sweden election: Why the far-right were the biggest winners and four other takeaways https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2022/09/16/sweden-election-why-the-far-right-were-the-biggest-winners-and-four-other-takeaways
Le Monde: Opinion, 16/09/2022: Sweden's conservatives fall into the trap of allying with the far right https://www.lemonde.fr/en/opinion/article/2022/09/16/sweden-s-conservatives-fall-into-the-trap-of-allying-with-the-far-right_5997167_23.html
Euro|topics, September 2022: Election result: Sweden shifts to the right https://www.eurotopics.net/en/288207/
The New York Times: Opinion, 20/09/2022: Sweden Is Becoming Unbearable https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/20/opinion/sweden-democrats-elections.html
The Spectator, 20/09/2022: Marine Le Pen wants France to become the next Sweden https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/marine-le-pen-wants-france-to-become-the-next-sweden
France24: Perspective, 20/09/2022: 'Swedish society has changed': The rise of the far-right Sweden Democrats https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/perspective/20220920-swedish-society-has-changed-the-rise-of-the-far-right-sweden-democrats

Wikipedia: 2022 Swedish general election https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Swedish_general_election

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