Sweden's Andersson tasked with forming government after election win

Sweden's parliament speaker has tasked Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson with forming a new government after her centre-left bloc secured a narrow majority in Sunday's election. The decision, announced on Friday, sets the stage for challenging coalition negotiations among four ideologically diverse parties. Speaker Andreas Norlen confirmed he had asked Andersson to explore government formation following consultations with party leaders. "She has told me that she is ready to take on this task," Norlen told a press conference. Andersson, who previously served as prime minister from 2021 to 2022, stated she is prepared to lead. "I have informed the speaker that I am ready to try to build a new government," she told reporters. "I want to lead Sweden in a new spirit of cooperation." The centre-left alliance, comprising the Social Democrats, the Left Party, the Green Party, and the Centre Party, holds a three-seat majority in the 349-seat parliament. This victory follows the resignation of outgoing Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, whose right-wing bloc included the Sweden Democrats party. In his resignation letter, Kristersson called for "constructive openness" across parties.