Sweden parliament elects Lovfen as Prime Minister after elbowing out far-right

Sweden ended a four-month political vacuum Friday when lawmakers elected Prime Minister Stefan Lofven to a second term, after he elbowed out the far-right to save one of Europe’s few left-wing governments.

Lofven’s new minority centre-left government comprising his Social Democrats and the Greens won the backing of the Centre and Liberal parties, until now members of the four-party centre-right opposition Alliance.

Friday’s vote wrapped up months of wrangling after September’s inconclusive legislative elections.

Lofven ultimately made major concessions to the centre-right parties to win their support, notably pledging to introduce market rates for newly-produced rental housing and easing Sweden’s strict labour laws.

The prime minister is expected to formally present his new government and its full programme on Monday.

via France 24

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