Sweden polls: Tricky coalition talks ahead as far-right gains

The far-right Sweden Democrats, riding on populist, anti-immigrant wave, have emerged as the kingmaker after the country’s two mainstream blocs, tied for the top spot, fell well short of the majority.

The Sweden Democrats raised its vote share to 17.6 percent from 12.9 percent in 2014, a progress that’s likely to give it a “real influence” in policymaking in the parliament, writes The Guardian.

Sweden braces for protracted coalition talks and political uncertainty as both the main blocs, in the past, have shown aversion to the idea of forging a coalition with the far-right party, notes the BBC.

The formation of a new government might take a few weeks and will only be possible if the two mainstream blocs cobble up an alliance with each other, which is highly unlikely, or the Moderate party runs a minority administration with the Christian Democrats onboard and outside support from the Sweden Democrats.