COPENHAGEN — Magdalena Andersson, Sweden’s first female prime minster, resigned Wednesday following a budget defeat in Parliament. Her coalition partner, the Greens, had also left the two-party minority government.
The budget proposal of the government was rejected by the opposition, which included the right-wing populist Sweden Democrats. The neo Nazi movement is the root of Sweden’s third largest party. Vote was 154 to 143 in favor the opposition’s budget proposal.
Andersson, the leader of the Social Democratic party decided that it was better to step down than seven hours after making history as the first woman to lead the country.
Andersson stated that it was about respect but that he also didn’t want to lead a government where legitimacy could be questioned.
Andersson was briefly prime minister and finance minister.
Norlen (the speaker of Sweden’s 349-seat parliament) said that he would contact eight Swedish party leaders “to discuss” the situation. He will then announce the next steps.
Andersson stated that a coalition government should be dissolved if a party leaves the government. It is important to try again, despite the fact that the parliamentary situation has not changed.
Even though the Green Party withdrew its support for her government it stated that it was ready to back Andersson in a new vote.
The Greens however stated that it was in their best interest to withdraw support for her following the defeat of the budget in parliament.
“We have a strong party behind us and we cannot sit in a government that implements a policy (the Sweden Democrats), negotiated. Marta Stenevi, spokesperson for the Green Party, stated that we must look at our voters and feel pride. The party chose to resign.
Per Bolund, the other spokesperson for Green Party, stated that “that is something that we deeply regret.”
Andersson stated earlier in the day that she could “govern” the country using the budget of the opposition.
Although the budget approved was based on the government’s proposal, only a little over 20 billion Kronor ($2.2 Billion) of the 74 billion Kronor ($8.2 Billion) that the government wanted for reforms will be distributed next year, according to Swedish broadcaster SVT. The budget approved aims to reduce taxes, increase salaries for police officers, and give more money to different parts of Sweden’s judiciary.
The appointment of Andersson as prime minister marked a significant milestone for Sweden. Although Sweden has been regarded for many decades as one the most progressive European countries in terms of gender relations, it had never had a woman at the top of its political ranks.
Andersson was selected to succeed Stefan Lofven, who had already resigned earlier this year.
An earlier day, 117 legislators voted for Andersson while 174 voted against her appointment. 57 lawmakers abstained and one lawmaker absent.
The Swedish Constitution allows prime ministers to be named and can govern so long as there is a parliamentary majority (minimum 175 legislators) against them.
The next general election in Sweden is scheduled for September 11.
