Skip to main content
Archived edition · September 18, 2026 Today's news →

What's happening in Europe?

Flag of Sweden

Sweden

News summary for

Go to today →

Coalition 💬

Åkesson Reaffirms Demands Amidst Intensifying Coalition Talks

Post-election political maneuvering intensified today as Jimmie Åkesson, leader of the Sweden Democrats, held a press conference to assert his party's long-term vision and reiterate its demand for ministerial positions in the next government. He dismissed reports of internal strife or a potential break from his leadership, emphasizing the party's significant parliamentary presence.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of Parliament has formally commenced rounds of discussions with party leaders, signaling the active phase of government formation after the recent election. The process is anticipated to require multiple attempts to bridge divides, particularly concerning the Centre Party's reluctance to form a government that includes the Left Party.

In other domestic news, authorities reported a school bus involved in an accident, a brazen scam targeting an elderly woman, and the arrest of a previously convicted man on suspicion of child assault.

Top stories

Sweden Democrats' Post-Election Stance and Leadership

Jimmie Åkesson, the leader of the Sweden Democrats, held a press conference following the election, asserting that his party is a long-term project and rejecting rumors of a leadership hiatus. He reiterated the party's demand for ministerial posts in any future government, indicating that the Centre Party should be the one to change its position regarding coalition talks.

Government Formation Efforts and Party Negotiations

The Speaker of Parliament has begun inviting party leaders for crucial discussions aimed at forming a new government, with up to four attempts anticipated. Political analysis suggests that Magdalena Andersson faces the challenge of brokering peace between the Centre Party and the Left Party to establish a stable left-leaning coalition. The Centre Party's substantial financial assets, including over 1 billion SEK in securities, are also noted as a factor in the ongoing political landscape.

News sources