Sweden is heading toward a closely contested parliamentary election on September 13, with the centre-left opposition led by Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson holding a narrow advantage over Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s right-wing bloc in recent opinion polls.

The election is attracting particular attention because of the possible role of the Sweden Democrats, a right-wing populist party that has supported Kristersson’s government from outside the cabinet since 2022. The party is now seeking formal participation in government if the right-wing bloc wins enough seats.

Kristersson has argued that a broader conservative government would provide the strength needed to tackle gang crime, national security and other domestic challenges. The opposition, however, has warned that bringing the Sweden Democrats into government could create concerns over civil liberties and immigration policy.

The centre-left parties are campaigning on stronger welfare services, climate measures and reducing economic inequality, while the right-wing alliance is emphasizing lower taxes, tougher crime policies and stricter immigration measures.

The outcome could significantly change Sweden’s political direction. A clear victory for the right would make coalition formation relatively straightforward, while a centre-left victory could lead to more complicated negotiations among several parties.