Swedish prime minister admits defeat as right-wing bloc claims slim election win

LONDON

Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson on Wednesday conceded defeat in Sweden’s tightly contested election, paving the way for an opposition bloc of four right-wing parties to form a new government.

She said the right-wing bloc, which includes a far-right anti-immigration party, has secured a narrow majority in the Riksdag, the Swedish parliament.

“Tomorrow I will request my dismissal as prime minister,” Andersson told a news conference.

She will, however, lead a transition government until the next administration takes power.

Andersson also announced that she will continue to lead the Social Democrats, stressing that her party stands ready to cooperate with anyone “who wants to be part of the solution to the problems that Sweden is facing.”

Ulf Kristersson, leader of the traditional right-wing Moderates, said the right-wing bloc has “received the mandate for change that we asked for.”

“I am now beginning the work to form a new government of action,” he said on social media.

“I want to gather, not to split,” he added, thanking voters for their support.