Social Democrats return to power in Sweden

Sweden’s Social Democrats appear headed back to power after eight years in opposition following a collapse in support for outgoing prime minister Fredrik Reinfeldt’s centre-right alliance.

Early results suggested that a new centre-left coalition may be a minority administration after a surge in support for the far-right Swede Democrats.

Poll toppers

Mr Reinfeldt’s centre-right Moderates slumped almost eight points to just 22 per cent while the Social Democrat and its leader Stefan Löfven topped the poll in early data with 31 per cent, a record low for the party that once dominated Swedish politics.

Its marginal rise in support was cancelled out by marginal Green losses.

Early results left the Red-Green coalition with just 38 per cent, requiring another partner such as the reformed communist Left Party, which reached 5.7 per cent in exit polls.

Shock winner

The shock winner in yesterday’s election is the far-right Sweden Democrats which saw its support rise in early results to over 13 per cent.

As Sweden’s third-largest party, it could hold the balance of power in the new Riskdag parliament.

Meanwhile the Feminist Initiative appears to have fallen short of entering parliament, despite an endorsement on Saturday evening by singer Pharrell Williams at a Stockholm concert.