Sweden election results thread (Sept 14, 2014)

[politicus]

If I'm not mistaken the Social Democrats have almost never won a clear majority on their own and the norm has been for them to be passively supported by the Venstre and/or Miljo party without those parties having cabinet ministers - have there EVER been Venstre party cabinet ministers? In many cases the three or four "bourgeois parties" have had more seats than the S alone - so this is nothing new. It doesn't really matter if Venstre is part of the government with cabinet ministers, if they vote to make Lofven PM when the Riksdag meets then he has the confidence and he governs with their silent support, right?

Yes, basically. Vänstrepartiet has never been in government, they are the old communist party, so it was a no go.

From 2008-2010 SAP, MP and Vänstrepartiet where in an alliance Red-Greens, so if the left had won the 2010 election they would have been part of the government, but this time around there were no explicit alliance.

[International Brotherhood of Bernard]

having a government that only represents 36-37% of voters (less than what an Alliance government would represent) is a pretty unfortunate situation.

Come to canada where we have a dictatorial Conservative majority government that only 39% of the electorate voted for...Margaret Thatcher never won more than 42% of the vote in the UK and it never stopped her from ramming her policies down everyone's throats.

Yes, but there's a big difference between a PR and FPTP system. Thatcher always had a majority of MPs, and Harper had a decent plurality of MPs. The government Löfvén is proposing would have less support in parliament than the main political alternative. I have a hard time seeing Thatcher holding on if Labour had more MPs than her, and Harper holding on if the Liberals had been bigger.

Not that it will be impossible. We should remember that Sweden had a government representing only 11% of the voters, only 35 years ago, and that was before the simplified budget rules that make it easier for minority governments to hold on.

 

 

Whaaaaaaa? How could that have happened?

[The Lord Marbury]

having a government that only represents 36-37% of voters (less than what an Alliance government would represent) is a pretty unfortunate situation.

Come to canada where we have a dictatorial Conservative majority government that only 39% of the electorate voted for...Margaret Thatcher never won more than 42% of the vote in the UK and it never stopped her from ramming her policies down everyone's throats.

Yes, but there's a big difference between a PR and FPTP system. Thatcher always had a majority of MPs, and Harper had a decent plurality of MPs. The government Löfvén is proposing would have less support in parliament than the main political alternative. I have a hard time seeing Thatcher holding on if Labour had more MPs than her, and Harper holding on if the Liberals had been bigger.

Not that it will be impossible. We should remember that Sweden had a government representing only 11% of the voters, only 35 years ago, and that was before the simplified budget rules that make it easier for minority governments to hold on.

 

 

Whaaaaaaa? How could that have happened?

The centre-right government (Centre-Moderate-Liberal coaliton) under Thorbjörn Fälldin (C) fell apart over the issue of nuclear power and the Liberals were asked to form a minority government by the speaker (also a Liberal). It lasted for a year until the next election when Fälldin became PM again as leader of an identical coalition and the Liberals returned to being a junior partner.

[politicus]

While the Swedish Liberal 1978-79 government was a form of interim government after a coalition breakdown, you can also have extreme minority governments after a regular election if the result is unclear or even chaotic. After the Danish landslide election in 1973, where 5 hitherto unrepresented parties entered parliament, Liberal leader Poul Hartling formed a government on 12,3% of the votes, simply because the Liberals where the established party that had lost the least seats. It lasted almost 14 months. The Liberals then won the 1975 election and doubled their seats, but Hartling had to resign because a centre-right government would have to rely on the populist and anarcho-libertarian Progress Party and the Social Democrats returned to power.

[Swedish Rainbow Capitalist Cheese]

The Speaker of Parliament, Per Westerberg (M), is holding consultative meetings with represents for the eight parliamentary parties today in order to carve out possibilities for a new government.

In Sweden it is the Speaker who officially proposes the new Prime Minister to the chamber for their approval.

Stefan Löfvén was first out to visit the speaker, and told him that he wanted to form government as Prime Minister.

He was followed by Moderate whip and group leader Anna Kindberg Batra, who told the Speaker that there were no alternatives for a centre-right government and that it should rest upon the red-green opposition to form a stable alternative. The press mostly gave her questions on whether she'd stand for the leadership of the party later in the spring. (Which she of course refused to answer at the current moment)

Green co-leaders, Gustav Fridolin and Åsa Romson visited the Speaker together and told him they intended to form government together with Stefan Löfvén, and that they would enter budget negotiations with the Left Party, but also want a broader parliamentary cooperation across the aisle with C and FP later in the term.

The meetings with the speaker will continue after lunch, with Jimmie Åkesson being the next one being called for questioning at 1 pm.       

These meetings are mostly a formality, but it will be interesting to hear what SD and V has to say, especially about the coming budget. Stay tuned

[Swedish Rainbow Capitalist Cheese]

Meetings with the Speaker has continued through-out the day, and Christian Democratic leader Göran Hägglund was the last to leave the Speaker twenty minutes ago.

No real surprises has turned up. We'll get a minority coalition between the Social Democrats and Greens, with support on budget and economic issues by the Left Party. The three minor centre-right parties (C, FP, KD) have all said that they won't support or co-operate with the new regime on budgetary or economic issues, but are open to broad across the aisle agreements on certain issues. It is as anyone has reasonably expected.

The only sort of shocker is that the Sweden Democrats opened up for the idea of hypothetically supporting the "least bad" budget in a upcoming budget vote. Something that could end up bringing down the incoming government. This naturally caused a hysteric frenzy among the assembled journalists who seemed to be willing to declare early elections then and there, despite Jimmie Åkesson himself calling the scenario very unlikely.

The Left performed better for LANDSTINGs: 48.1, resulting in 9 overall maj.s of seats, 4 with local parties. 4 with rel. maj.s (and SD as kingmakers [but only in theory]), Stockholm&Halland could go either left&C or All.&MP, but Jönköping has a hypothetical maj. of S&V&SD, thus leading to left&C (or KD?).

 

Not really sure what you're trying say there Ebner... but negotiations for leadership of the counties (landsting) are ongoing. It's yet unclear who will govern in them, even in counties were S+V+MP have their own majority. Regional and local politics are quite different in Sweden... strange coalitions are no rare things. Just this morning I read that in the Social Democratic stronghold of Överkalix, the Moderates and the Left Party will enter into a coalition together to overthrow S.

[njwes]

The only sort of shocker is that the Sweden Democrats opened up for the idea of hypothetically supporting the "least bad" budget in a upcoming budget vote. Something that could end up bringing down the incoming government. This naturally caused a hysteric frenzy among the assembled journalists who seemed to be willing to declare early elections then and there, despite Jimmie Åkesson himself calling the scenario very unlikely.

Why would that potentially bring down the incoming government?

[Swedish Rainbow Capitalist Cheese]

The only sort of shocker is that the Sweden Democrats opened up for the idea of hypothetically supporting the "least bad" budget in a upcoming budget vote. Something that could end up bringing down the incoming government. This naturally caused a hysteric frenzy among the assembled journalists who seemed to be willing to declare early elections then and there, despite Jimmie Åkesson himself calling the scenario very unlikely.

Why would that potentially bring down the incoming government?

A failure to pass a budget in Sweden does not result in a government shut down, as it would in America. Instead the government is forced to resign and early elections are held. In other words, if SD would for some reason choose to vote for the Alliance's shadow budget instead of abstaining, that would mean the government's budget would have less votes than another budget and thus wouldn't pass, which means they'd be forced to resign.

Hope that is a clear answer to the question.  

[Filuwaúrdjan]

No one would really benefit from early elections.

[njwes]

The only sort of shocker is that the Sweden Democrats opened up for the idea of hypothetically supporting the "least bad" budget in a upcoming budget vote. Something that could end up bringing down the incoming government. This naturally caused a hysteric frenzy among the assembled journalists who seemed to be willing to declare early elections then and there, despite Jimmie Åkesson himself calling the scenario very unlikely.

Why would that potentially bring down the incoming government?

A failure to pass a budget in Sweden does not result in a government shut down, as it would in America. Instead the government is forced to resign and early elections are held. In other words, if SD would for some reason choose to vote for the Alliance's shadow budget instead of abstaining, that would mean the government's budget would have less votes than another budget and thus wouldn't pass, which means they'd be forced to resign.

Hope that is a clear answer to the question.  

Yes, thank you! I didn't realize that triggered a new election. Though, I was under the impression that they were more to the left on government/economic issues, is it certain that the right bloc's budget would be the "least bad" to them?

[Swedish Rainbow Capitalist Cheese]

No one would really benefit from early elections.

Well, there's actually a good chancee Jimmie Åkesson would...
But yeah, the other party leaders are well aware that they don't want another election at this moment. Still, when did common sense stop mass hysteria in the press?

Yes, thank you! I didn't realize that triggered a new election. Though, I was under the impression that they were more to the left on government/economic issues, is it certain that the right bloc's budget would be the "least bad" to them?

No it's not certain at all. Quite honestly, as Jimmie Åkesson himself said, it's most unlikely that any buget presented by the other parties would be considered acceptable by SD. But, once again, it would be a shame if that kept the press from having some good old hysteria. 

[Lurker]

No one would really benefit from early elections.

The only chance of an early election happening is if the Sweden Democrats decides to troll the Red-Greens, and vote for the centre-right's budget proposal. That would of course trigger one.  

Now, there wouldn't be a chance in hell of a serious political party doing that, but unfortunately we're talking about the Sweden Democrats...

[Gustaf]

No Pharrell Williams effect apparently.

It would be pretty embarrassing if a foreign singer with no particular political background or insight could sway a notable portion of the Swedish electorate tbh

Well he wasn't the only one, ABBA Benny spent a fortune on the party as well.

It would be particularly embarrassing if using an explicitly anti-feminist artist benefited a feminist party.

This thread is getting way too sage for its own good.

What do you expect? Its a Sweden thread without any Swedes to give us some proper analysis (most of them are probably drowning their sorrows, Gustaf might actually be celebrating). Idle speculation, sagery and rhetorical grand standing is bound to fill the void.

Why would I be celebrating?

---------------------------

An interesting thing to note is that the Swedish electorate has been getting increasingly ideologically polarized over time. Also, I think SD is far from unlikely to topple the government. It will be an interesting 4 years ahead now.

[Antonio the Sixth]

So according to val.se, the official results have just finished to be counted a couple minutes ago.

S: 31.01%
MP: 6.89%
V: 5.72%
Total Left Bloc: 43.62% (-0.01) - now that's just pathetic.

M: 23.33%
C: 6.11%
FP: 5.42%
KD: 4.57%
Total Alliance: 39.43% (-9.84)

SD: 12.86% (+7.12)

FI: 3.12% (+2.72)

Others: 0.97%

Turnout is at 85.80% (+1.23), the highest figure since 1994. The only good thing to come out of this election, I guess.

[politicus]

This thread is getting way too sage for its own good.

What do you expect? Its a Sweden thread without any Swedes to give us some proper analysis (most of them are probably drowning their sorrows, Gustaf might actually be celebrating). Idle speculation, sagery and rhetorical grand standing is bound to fill the void.

Why would I be celebrating?

The "leftists" managing to throw away what looked like a certain victory, likely paving the way for a swift return of the centre-right in a couple of years. For an Alliance supporter this result is as good as it could realistically get.

Anyway, that post was obviously not 100% serious.

So according to val.se, the official results have just finished to be counted a couple minutes ago.

Turnout is at 85.80% (+1.23), the highest figure since 1994. The only good thing to come out of this election, I guess.

And 1,21% higher than the Scottish referendum - a testimony to the failure of Scotland's Choice that they couldn't get a higher turnout for their nation's choice of a lifetime than a regular Scandinavian parliamentary election.

The British and Americans could learn a thing or two from the Swedes. Hold an election, get a result that's 99,9% accurate in 4 hours and then finish the "fine counting" in 4,5 days. That's the way to do it.

[ingemann]

This thread is getting way too sage for its own good.

What do you expect? Its a Sweden thread without any Swedes to give us some proper analysis (most of them are probably drowning their sorrows, Gustaf might actually be celebrating). Idle speculation, sagery and rhetorical grand standing is bound to fill the void.

Why would I be celebrating?

The "leftists" managing to throw away what looked like a certain victory, likely paving the way for a swift return of the centre-right in a couple of years. For an Alliance supporter this result is as good as it could realistically get.

Anyway, that post was obviously not 100% serious.

So according to val.se, the official results have just finished to be counted a couple minutes ago.

Turnout is at 85.80% (+1.23), the highest figure since 1994. The only good thing to come out of this election, I guess.

And 1,21% higher than the Scottish referendum - a testimony to the failure of Scotland's Choice that they couldn't get a higher turnout for their nation's choice of a lifetime than a regular Scandinavian parliamentary election.

The British and Americans could learn a thing or two from the Swedes. Hold an election, get a result that's 99,9% accurate in 4 hours and then finish the "fine counting" in 4,5 days. That's the way to do it.

As much as I like to be smug about every superior quality in all things Scandinavian, and I do like that very much...

No one should have Swedish style ballots, no one are harmed by the fact it took a night to count the Scottish vote, but th Swedish semi-open ballot do harm people by bringing a social pressure to be open about your vote and thereby votes for the right party or parties.

[politicus]

This thread is getting way too sage for its own good.

What do you expect? Its a Sweden thread without any Swedes to give us some proper analysis (most of them are probably drowning their sorrows, Gustaf might actually be celebrating). Idle speculation, sagery and rhetorical grand standing is bound to fill the void.

Why would I be celebrating?

The "leftists" managing to throw away what looked like a certain victory, likely paving the way for a swift return of the centre-right in a couple of years. For an Alliance supporter this result is as good as it could realistically get.

Anyway, that post was obviously not 100% serious.

So according to val.se, the official results have just finished to be counted a couple minutes ago.

Turnout is at 85.80% (+1.23), the highest figure since 1994. The only good thing to come out of this election, I guess.

And 1,21% higher than the Scottish referendum - a testimony to the failure of Scotland's Choice that they couldn't get a higher turnout for their nation's choice of a lifetime than a regular Scandinavian parliamentary election.

The British and Americans could learn a thing or two from the Swedes. Hold an election, get a result that's 99,9% accurate in 4 hours and then finish the "fine counting" in 4,5 days. That's the way to do it.

As much as I like to be smug about every superior quality in all things Scandinavian, and I do like that very much...

No one should have Swedish style ballots, no one are harmed by the fact it took a night to count the Scottish vote, but th Swedish semi-open ballot do harm people by bringing a social pressure to be open about your vote and thereby votes for the right party or parties.

Wasn't talking about their ballots at all.

[Tender Branson]

This thread is getting way too sage for its own good.

What do you expect? Its a Sweden thread without any Swedes to give us some proper analysis (most of them are probably drowning their sorrows, Gustaf might actually be celebrating). Idle speculation, sagery and rhetorical grand standing is bound to fill the void.

Why would I be celebrating?

The "leftists" managing to throw away what looked like a certain victory, likely paving the way for a swift return of the centre-right in a couple of years. For an Alliance supporter this result is as good as it could realistically get.

Anyway, that post was obviously not 100% serious.

So according to val.se, the official results have just finished to be counted a couple minutes ago.

Turnout is at 85.80% (+1.23), the highest figure since 1994. The only good thing to come out of this election, I guess.

And 1,21% higher than the Scottish referendum - a testimony to the failure of Scotland's Choice that they couldn't get a higher turnout for their nation's choice of a lifetime than a regular Scandinavian parliamentary election.

The British and Americans could learn a thing or two from the Swedes. Hold an election, get a result that's 99,9% accurate in 4 hours and then finish the "fine counting" in 4,5 days. That's the way to do it.

I have another suggestion:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

[swl]

[pendragon]

Where is this from?

[Antonio the Sixth]

Time for updated charts!

Parties in % of valid votes:


Left vs Right in % of valid votes (FI is included in the left):


Parties in % of registered voters:

[Swedish Rainbow Capitalist Cheese]

So now that the final votes have been tallied we can see that some important people have lost their parliamentry seats:

Maria Larsson, Minister for the Elderly and Public Health, and Christian Democratic Deputy Leader lost her seat in Jönköping, as did another Christian Democrat, Minister of Housing, Stefan Attefall.

Anna Karin Hatt, Minister of Energy, fell short in retaining the Centre Party seat in Södermanland.

The Moderates' Party Secretary, Kent Persson, will leave together with the Party Secretary of the People's Party, Nina Larsson. And the Economic Spokespersons of both KD, Anders Sellström, and FP, Carl B. Hamilton will also be forced to leave.

The Christian Democrats especially have had their ranks savaged by this election. Pretty good news for Göran Hägglund in that there will be very few people left to challenge him for the leadership. 


 

As much as I like to be smug about every superior quality in all things Scandinavian, and I do like that very much...

Yes but you also like to point out everything you dislike about Sweden, so it's not really that much out of character.

[swl]

Where is this from?

I just made it.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Based on what?

[Swedish Rainbow Capitalist Cheese]

Where is this from?

I just made it.

Yeah I see some problems with this one.

Fi's economic policies are very close to V, they should be much closer each other on the left-right scale than you have put them. FP should be the most EU positive out of all parties (they're federalist) and C should be the most EU-skeptical out of the Alliance parties.

The June List doesn't actually want to leave the European Union, so they are by no means more EU skeptical than V, they're also founded by former Social Democrats, so they should neither be the furthest right on this scale. Putting SD to the right of M is also... very questionable.

Why is the June List even on this btw? They're as good as non-existent these days. They only got eight votes in total this election.