The Speaker has tasked Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist of the Center Party with resolving the government crisis—even though several parties have already rejected her centrist proposal. Now, the Center Party leader is open to talks with all party leaders, while Norlén refuses to rush into a snap election.
Speaker of the Riksdag Andreas Norlén announced on Monday that the leader of the Center Party Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist (C) has one week to explore the possibilities for forming a new government. This bypasses the outgoing prime minister Ulf Kristersson (M), even though he had been identified as a potential candidate to form a government. Norlén explained the decision by noting that the centrist option is being challenged from both the right and the left.
Magdalena Andersson Could Become Prime Minister
According to Norlén, the exploratory talks are primarily focused on forming a centrist government with Magdalena Andersson (S) as prime minister. Thand Ringqvist will investigate whether enough parties can accept this solution. The task is complicated by the fact that the Liberals (L) and the Christian Democrats (KD) have already said no, while the Center Party (C) opposes forming a coalition government with both the Left Party (V) and the Sweden Democrats (SD).
The C-leader invites everyone
Following the Speaker's announcement, Thand Ringqvist commented on the assignment at X. She explained that her goal is to resolve the issue of forming a government, not to become prime minister herself. At the same time, she announced that all party leaders will be invited to talks.
”My goal is to help find a solution to the government crisis, not to become prime minister myself.”
On Sunday, Frihetsnytt reported that the SD leader Jimmie Åkesson sent an open letter to Thand Ringqvist, urging her to engage in dialogue with all parties. Although Thand Ringqvist has refused to allow the Sweden Democrats into a government, there is no indication that she is closing the door on talks even with the Sweden Democrats. This is in contrast to Magdalena Andersson, who openly stated that the Sweden Democrats were the only party she would not discuss matters with.
The L-Leader Simona Mohamsson has already announced that L will not support a government led by S.
Norlén Slows Down the Path Toward a Special Election
At the press conference, Norlén was asked why he wasn’t holding more votes on the prime minister to move closer to a special election. He emphasized that such votes are significant and should not be used lightly. Therefore, he wants to wait for the Center Party leader’s report on October 26 before deciding on the next step.
The political commentator Oscar Overgaard believes that a centrist government would benefit the parties outside the Riksdag. This is because they would then be able to present a clearer contrast to the government and thus more easily promote their policies.
- One perspective worth considering is that a centrist government would have been good for parties outside the Riksdag, although I consider that unlikely, ", Overgaard tells Frihetsnytt.
