Greens back Sweden’s Social leader as premier

STOCKHOLM: Sweden’s Green Party said on Sunday it supports Social Democratic leader Stefan Lofven returning as prime minister, a job he had until inconclusive elections last year.

“It was decisive for us that Sweden continues to make progress in the climate area,” Greens co-leader Isabella Lovin told reporters.

Sweden’s September 9 general election resulted in a political stalemate between the country’s two main political alliances, one led by Lofven’s Social Democrats and the other by the conservatives under Ulf Kristersson of the Moderate Party. Neither bloc has a majority in the 349-seat legislature, complicating the formation of a new government.

Also at issue is the relative surge enjoyed by the right-wing populist Sweden Democrats, which took 17.5 per cent in the election and could act as kingmaker if any of the mainstream parties were willing to work with them.

The confusion has led to multiple failed attempts at creating a government since September. — dpa