Sweden election — Exit polls from Sweden’s general election on September 13 indicate a narrow victory for the centre-left opposition bloc led by former prime minister Magdalena Andersson and her Social Democrats. The projections also suggest a loss of strength for the far-right Sweden Democrats party.

Two major exit polls gave the four-party left-wing coalition around 51.3% of the vote, compared to roughly 47% for the right-wing bloc. The Sweden Democrats, which entered parliament in 2010, are projected to lose their position as the country’s second-largest political force for the first time. Party MP Julia Kronlid acknowledged the disappointing polls but said the situation could still change as votes are counted.

Andersson, 59, known as “Magda,” is attempting a political comeback after leaving office in 2022. Her opponent, current Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, 62, had hoped to secure a new mandate, campaigning on a promise to “make Sweden great again.” The Social Democrats campaigned on strengthening the welfare state and helping families with the rising cost of living.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg used Instagram to urge voters to prevent a governing alliance between the right and the far-right, writing, “No fascist in our government. Climate justice now!” Final results from the election, which saw high turnout among the 8 million eligible voters, are still being tallied.