Sweden’s Left Party backed Speaker Andreas Norlén — The Local Sweden

Sweden’s Left Party has announced its support for Andreas Norlén in the election for Speaker of the Riksdag, which is set to take place during the ceremonial opening of parliament. As a result, Norlén, a candidate from the Moderate Coalition Party, has the backing of a parliamentary majority, The Local Sweden reports.

Ida Gabrielsson, deputy leader of the Left Party, explained the decision by the need for stability, as government formation could take a long time. According to her, the party considers it necessary to have a “stable point of support” in parliament. The Social Democrats have not yet put forward their own candidate, although they had previously stated that the post of speaker should be held by a representative of the largest party in the governing bloc.

Norlén was elected speaker in 2018. Formally, the speaker must maintain political neutrality, although candidates for the position are nominated by parties. The publication notes that the Left Party’s support for Norlén could also increase pressure on the Social Democrats during negotiations on forming a government.

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