STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – Swedes were called to the polls on Sunday for legislative elections that could see the right-wing return to power with, in an unprecedented development, the support of the nationalist and anti-immigration party of the Democrats of Sweden whose audience is growing. .
The campaign has in fact been dominated by promising themes for the right and the extreme right: the rise in crime, with a “gang war” which has claimed more than 40 lives since the beginning of the year, the outbreak inflation and the energy crisis linked to the conflict in Ukraine.
“I fear the advent of an extremist and repressive government,” said Malin Ericsson, 53, outside a polling station in central Stockholm.
Polling stations will close at 1800 GMT. Partial results are expected around 9:00 p.m. GMT.
Polls predict a close duel between the incumbent left-wing coalition, led by social-democratic Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, and the right-wing bloc where the Sweden Democrats, hitherto marginalized on the political scene, dethrone the conservative party Modrs of Ulf Kristersson in the voting intentions.
“My message is clear: during the (COVID-19) pandemic, we supported Swedish businesses and households. I will continue to do so if you renew your confidence in me,” said Magdalena Andersson, in office since November 2021. .
The right, in opposition for eight years, promises to put Sweden “on the right track”.
“We will give priority to respect for law and order, to work and to the development of nuclear energy” in line with the fight against global warming, assured Ulf Kristersson in a video.
However, he has to come to terms with the ambition of far-right leader Jimmie Akesson, who intends to form a government coalition with the Moders, Christian Democrats and Liberals.
Facing them, the Social Democrats of Magdalena Andersson will need the support of the Greens, the Left Party and the Center Party.
During the previous legislative elections, in 2018, long negotiations had preceded the formation of a minority government led by the social democrats.
Sweden, which is engaged in a NATO membership process, will chair the European Union from 1 January.
(French version Sophie Louet)
by Niklas Pollard, Simon Johnson and Johan Ahlander