Swedish parliament to reconvene following elections

The Swedish parliament will reconvene today following elections earlier this month.

The first action is likely to be the formation of a new government. The parliamentary elections saw right-of-center parties achieve a slight majority, making a change in government probable. While the right-wing populist Sweden Democrats (SD)—the largest of the right-wing parties—are unlikely to lead Sweden’s next government, their support will be crucial for Moderate Party leader Ulf Kristersson to become prime minister. Conflicts have emerged on the role of the SD in government and the potential for the party to control several ministries namely the migration ministry.

Still, a Sweden under Kristersson is unlikely to result in large foreign policy shifts away from the status quo. All of Sweden’s right-of-center parties, including SD, support Swedish membership in NATO and have condemned Russian actions in Ukraine. Further, the Eurosceptic SD is unlikely to receive the foreign ministry or posts with significant influence on foreign policy. This makes any change in Sweden’s relationship with the EU or potential alignment with right-wing governments in Italy, Hungary and Poland unlikely. The exception is the conflict with Brussels over tightened immigration policy—a major part of SD’s policies.