Sweden's razor-thin election leaves country without clear government winner

Sweden's Social Democrats' subdued election party reflected razor-thin vote count as neither bloc could claim victory

Sweden's parliamentary election left the country without a clear government this week, with neither the left-wing nor right-wing bloc able to declare a winner as counting dragged into its fourth day.

With 95 per cent of votes tallied, the opposition left-wing bloc held a three-seat advantage over the governing right-wing coalition, though final results were not expected until Thursday. The parliamentary election took place on Sunday.

Muted atmosphere at Social Democrats' headquarters

The uncertainty shaped an unusually cautious mood at the Social Democrats' election night gathering, according to journalists present. The main centre-left party, which is seeking to return to power, did not serve free champagne, requiring attendees to purchase their own drinks.

The closeness of the race made even basic reactions difficult to gather. When the initial exit poll projected a left-wing victory, one reporter could not find anyone willing to comment, as potential interviewees remained unsure whether the numbers would hold.

Social Democrats' leader Magdalena Andersson did not take the stage until close to midnight, prompting some journalists to question whether she would speak at all. By the time she addressed supporters, many had already left for home, leaving the hall thinned out.

Rare consensus on Beijing policy

Despite the stalemate, the main parties from both blocs have signaled agreement on reducing Sweden's economic dependence on China and advocating for Europe to adopt a tougher stance toward Beijing.

Source: South China Morning Post