Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to Step Down After Election Defeat
Election Results and Political Transition in Sweden
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson Announces Resignation
STOCKHOLM, Sept 17 (Reuters) - Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will resign after losing the country's parliamentary election, he said on Thursday, following the announcement of a final vote count.
Parliamentary Election Outcome
Seat Distribution
Centre-left opposition parties won 176 seats in Sunday's vote for parliament while Kristersson's ruling right-wing bloc secured 173 seats, the election authority said earlier as the counting of ballots ended.
Official Statement from Kristersson
"Now it is the speaker who will lead the next stage of the way to a new government. I am herewith requesting that I be relieved of the office of prime minister to allow that work to start immediately," Kristersson said in a letter posted on social media X.
Next Steps for Swedish Government
Potential New Leadership
The election result sets the stage for a change of government, with Social Democratic party leader Magdalena Andersson expected to make a comeback as prime minister after four years in opposition.
Certification of Results
All votes for the 349-seat parliament have now been counted, although the result remains subject to formal certification in the coming days.
Challenges Ahead for the Centre-Left
For the centre-left, victory may only be the first step in a long process to form a government.
(Reporting by Sweden newsroom, editing by Terje Solsvik and Louise Rasmussen)
