The opposition defeated the government parties with 55.3 percent against 42.5 in the Swedish Agency for Support to Innovation's large opinion poll in June. If it holds, there will be a change of government after the election next autumn. But no information is available on what such a government would look like, and perhaps it will not come before election day, 13 September 2026.
The leader of the Social Democrats, Magdalena Andersson, has so far stated that the Social Democrats, as usual, will go to the election as their own party, but are prepared to "cooperate" with all except the Sweden Democrats. She gives no indication of which other parties she would most like to sit in government with.
Andersson emphasizes that the already uncertain global situation may be worse in a year.
Against this background, I do not think it is time to close different doors or draw up red lines.
Want to see a coalition government
The Left Party (V) and the Green party (MP) are clearer. They want a coalition government, preferably with all four opposition parties, including the Center Party (C).
It is not impossible, but the political differences between V and C are so large. That is why it hurts the most when they have to talk to each other, says the Social Democrat-affiliated political scientist Ulf Bjereld.
Bjereld believes that the Green party could take a place in a possible Social Democrat-led government since the Social Democrats and the Green party have governed together before.
The Left Party has never previously sat in a government. Now, the party leader Nooshi Dadgostar demands to be included in a potential Social Democrat-led government if the opposition wins the election. Otherwise, a new government will not receive the Left Party's support.
Dadgostar also wants the four parties to present a joint election platform before the election.
We think that all parties that are willing to stand behind Magdalena Andersson as a government builder need to gather, she says.
Each other's opposites
The Center Party has not even said that Andersson is C's primary candidate for prime minister. And that C can sit in the same government as V is something that few believe.
V and C are each other's opposites when it comes to views on taxes and benefits. And C's more positive view of profits in independent schools and other welfare in private hands can also be an obstacle to cooperation with the Social Democrats.
The nuclear power issue, together with profits in welfare, are two of the really big issues to handle before a potential red-green government formation, says Bjereld.
C leader Anna-Karin Hatt states that which government C can join depends on what impact the party can have on its policies for more growth, less climate emissions, and increased investments in the countryside.
But one thing is certain, we will not join a government where the Sweden Democrats are included. We will not support such a government either and contribute to its formation, says Hatt.
