728 x 90



Swedish opposition holds big lead ahead of September vote, poll shows

img

STOCKHOLM, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Sweden's centre-left opposition ‌holds a 10 percentage point lead over the ruling right-wing coalition ahead of a September 13 election, making a ​change of government likely, according to an ​opinion poll conducted on behalf of public broadcaster ⁠SVT.

No government has ever bridged a gap ​this wide in such a short time, and "only a ​miracle" could now prevent defeat for Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and his four-party coalition, SVT reported on Tuesday.

The August 3-16 ​survey of some 3,000 voters showed Social ​Democrats leader Magdalena Andersson would likely become prime minister again after ‌four ⁠years in opposition, replacing Kristersson of the right-wing Moderates.

Sweden's four left-leaning parties had a combined 53.9% backing, estimated to give them 196 seats, while ​the coalition government ​stood at ⁠43.9%, or 153 seats, according to the survey conducted by the Verian ​polling firm.

The campaign has focused on cost ​of ⁠living issues as well as security, immigration, crime and energy supply.

The Social Democrats maintained their position as ⁠Sweden's ​biggest party with 30.5% support, ​an increase of 0.2 percentage points in the 2022 election.