Sweden will now continue along a progressive path, with the Social Democrats – a full member party of the PES – leading the government.
PES President Sergei Stanishev said:
“This is very welcome news. On behalf of the PES, I send my congratulations to Prime Minister Andersson. With such clear ability and strong experience, Sweden’s future is safe in her hands.
“This is a historic moment for Sweden, one which will inspire women and girls in all Member States. We need more women like Magdalena Andersson leading governments.
“With a progressive administration secured once again, Sweden can continue to make progress. I wish Prime Minister Andersson every success as she works to accelerate the climate transition, get more people into work, strengthen the welfare system, and make Sweden a safe country for all. The PES stands with her.”
Magdalena Andersson is a lifelong progressive who joined the Social Democratic Youth in 1983 and was elected to the Riksdag in 2014, when she was appointed finance minister in the new Löfven cabinet. Prime minister Andersson now takes over from Stefan Löfven, who served as prime minister of Sweden since 2014. The PES commends Stefan Löfven for his work and wishes him every success for the future.
The voting in of Prime Minister Andersson means there is now an equal number of women and men PES prime ministers in the European Council.