Sweden’s election sees far right eyeing potential role in government

Sweden is currently holding a general election today, September 13, 2026, with the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD) party positioned to potentially enter government for the first time. The election presents a tight contest between the incumbent right-wing bloc, led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and a center-left opposition alliance. Kristersson has indicated a willingness to include the Sweden Democrats in cabinet posts if his bloc secures a victory.

This election marks a potential escalation of the far-right's influence in Swedish politics. Although the Sweden Democrats did not formally join the government after the 2022 election, they provided crucial parliamentary support to Kristersson's minority coalition, gaining significant sway over policies, particularly concerning crime and immigration.

Public opinion polls suggest an extremely close race, with some showing a narrow lead for the center-left opposition. However, the governing right-wing parties have been closing the gap in the final days of campaigning. A victory for the right-wing bloc could lead to the Sweden Democrats, a party with neo-Nazi roots that has attempted to moderate its image, securing direct ministerial positions in the next government.