Sweden’s Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson was elected by parliament as Sweden’s first female prime minister, but she had to resign soon after selection.
In fact, the Green Party withdrew its support, due to which they had to take this step. Hours after being elected prime minister on Wednesday agency reported that parliament (the Riksdag) passed the opposition’s budget resolution, prompting Anderson’s coalition ally the Green Party to withdraw its support. After which, Anderson was forced to announce his resignation.
To be elected prime minister, he needed a majority of MPs in the 349-seat Riksdag. He was supported by 117, but was opposed by 174, with 57 delegates absent. One deputy was absent. Anderson’s election came after an 11-hour deal with the Left Party, which called for an increase in pensions for the poorest 700,000 pensioners.
“It’s a question of honor for me, but I don’t want to lead a government whose legitimacy can be questioned,” Anderson told reporters. Andersen has told parliament speaker Andreas Norlen that he is still keen to lead a “social democratic” one-party government. He said that if one party withdraws support to the government then the coalition government should resign.
Anderson said she could lead the country with an opposition budget, requiring only minor changes. However, the Green Party had a different opinion.
Andreas Norlen, the speaker of Sweden’s 349-seat parliament, said he had received Andersen’s resignation and would speak to party leaders to discuss the situation.