SWEDEN: Two weeks after elections gave the ruling Social Democrats almost 40 per cent of the vote, it is still unclear what sort of new government Sweden will have. As parliament returns tomorrow, the party may face a motion of no confidence.
The Social Democrats took for granted the continued support of their allies, the Greens and the Left Party. Tired of being sidekicks, the Green Party in particular is sticking to its demands for ministerial portfolios. If not, a suggested vote of no confidence has concentrated Social Democrat minds.
The Social Democrat leader, Mr Göran Persson, has ruled that out and negotiations have degenerated into a chicken race pitting small against big and bruising reputations.
This weekend witnessed more intense negotiations. However both the left and Green parties formally rejected the latest offer for renewed co-operation from the Social Democrats. Last Friday talks between the Greens and the three centre-right parties collapsed.
Despite Mr Persson's view, however, the Swedish parliament opened its new session with the leader of the conservative Moderate Party introduced a motion of no confidence which will be voted on either on tomorrow or Thursday.
The Moderates also have the support of the other parties but without the Greens it is meaningless. It is unlikely that the Greens would run the risk of a new election, which a vote of no confidence would ultimately signal.
Mr Persson needs one vote from the Greens but he is unwilling to pay for it. The Greens are furious and want nothing short of ministerial recognition for supporting a new government.