The four (centre) right parties that won Sweden’s elections last month as a right-wing bloc have agreed to form a minority government. Ulf Kristersson, leader of the Liberal Conservative Party and formatter, made the announcement this morning.

The new cabinet will consist of Liberal Conservatives, Liberals and Christian Democrats. The far-right Sweden Democrats, who received the most votes within the right-wing bloc, will not be part of the cabinet. However, through a tolerance construction, the party gets a big finger into the game.

The Swedish parliament will vote on the new cabinet on Monday. Kristersson is likely to become Sweden’s new prime minister.

Direct influence of the radical right

For the first time, the Sweden Democrats will have direct influence on politics because the cabinet is dependent on the votes of the radical right for a majority in parliament.

Kristersson emphasizes that the government wants “close and respectful cooperation” with the far right. This is new for Sweden because until recently there was a political cordon sanitaire against the Sweden Democrats.

immigration policy

The Sweden Democrats, in turn, want to work closely with the cabinet. “We participate like a government party,” said party leader Jimmie Åkesson. Åkesson speaks of a radically different view of Swedish immigration and asylum policy based on the Danish model.

For refugees, this means that returning to the country of origin is becoming more important and it is becoming more difficult to obtain a permanent residence permit. The annual quota for refugees from outside the EU that Sweden receives through the UN will be reduced from 6,400 to 900.

group violence

In the case of gang crime, an important campaign issue for all parties, the parties want to introduce tougher penalties. The police should also be given more powers in problem areas.

Almost every Swedish city has experienced shootings between rival groups. They consist mainly of young people with a migration background from the suburbs.