Parliament votes in Sweden's first female prime minister

Sweden, Nov 24: Magdalena Andersson, 54, became the first female prime minster of Sweden on Wednesday following a parliamentary vote putting her in the top job.

Andersson previously served as finance minister and took over as leader of the Social Democrats earlier this month. Late Tuesday, she secured an agreement with the Left Party to increase pensions in exchange for the party backing Wednesday's vote in parliament.

Andersson told public broadcaster SVT Tuesday the deal would "strength the finances of the poorest pensioners." In exchange, Left Party leader Nooshi Dadgostar told Swedish radio, "We're not going to block Andersson."

In Sweden's parliamentary system, majority backing is not required to be elected prime minister rather a candidate needs to not have an absolute majority of parliamentarians opposed to them.

Andersson was already supported by Social Democrats' coalition partner, the Greens.

Crucially, the Center Party said soon before the vote that it would abstain, rather than oppose her, pushing her past the winning post.

Center Party key to Andersson's victory

Annie Loof, the leader of the Center Party, said "We will not give the Sweden Democrats governmental power."

Still, the Center Party prefers a left-leaning government in place than a right-wing government which would need the support of the populist, anti-immigrant Sweden Democrats. With the Center Party abstaining from the prime minister vote Wednesday, Andersson secured the position of prime minister.

Loof however said she would not support the new budget proposed. She said the minority coalition's alliance with the Left Party had "drawn the government further to the left."

The decision puts Andersson in a tricky position already, as the prime minister comes into office already facing questions over how effectively her coalition will be able to govern and on whose terms.

Three opposition parties put forward a common budget that could win the support of parliament; Andersson would then be expected to work with it.

Former Prime Minister Carl Bildt said on Twitter that it was "a tumultuous day" in his nation's politics.

A tumultuous day in the politics of 🇸🇪. After prolonged talks a deal with the Left party clears the way for SocDem leader Magdalena Andersson as new PM, but only hours later the parliament is likely to ditch her budget and approve the one of the Centre-right opposition parties.

— Carl Bildt (@carlbildt) November 24, 2021

The country's outgoing prime minister, Stefan Lofven, resigned on November 10 after seven years in office after losing a parliamentary vote of confidence. Lofven and Andersson are both Social Democrats.

Source: DW