Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson Resigns After Election Defeat

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced his resignation on Thursday after the final vote count confirmed defeat for his right-wing governing bloc in the parliamentary elections. The center-left opposition secured a narrow majority of 176 seats in the 349-member parliament, compared with 173 for the incumbent governing coalition.

In a letter to the speaker of parliament, Kristersson asked to be relieved of his duties, opening the way for formal talks on forming a new government.

The election results pave the way for Social Democratic party leader Magdalena Andersson to return to power after four years in opposition. She could once again head the cabinet.

All ballots have now been counted, and the results are expected to be formally confirmed in the coming days.

(Reuters, max)