There is widespread concern in Sweden before the formation of a government. The Left Party has been clear with its ultimatum: they do not intend to vote for any government in which they themselves are not allowed to sit in. At the same time, a survey from Novus shows that a very large percentage of Swedish voters, from right to left, do not want to see the Left Party in Rosenbad. This mainly applies to Tidöväläre. Among red-greens, 40 percent wish that a government could be formed without V. The left's inability to clean up anti-Semitism may in itself be reason enough not to want to give them ministerial posts.
When the last government was formed, you, Ulf Kristersson, showed enormous pragmatic ability. You were prepared to make significant compromises and step over several previous red lines in order to achieve a functional government through the Tidö Agreement. You showed that when power is at stake, previously sacred principles can be renegotiated.
Now we are facing a new crossroads. If Magdalena Andersson and the Center are forced to give way to the Left Party's demands in order to get a majority, it means that V will be assigned ministerial posts. If such a collaboration comes to fruition, the Moderates will be left with no influence for the next four years.
But there is another option. You can again choose pragmatism.
Much greater compromises were required of you, when you were to become prime minister yourself, than what is required now. Through tactical play, you can probably save Sweden from a government with ministers from V, while at the same time avoiding the Moderates being completely put on the stand for the next four years.
If you now break a wall against a red-green government cooperation, S will have the opportunity to form a minority government without V. Magdalena Andersson certainly claims that she does not want to govern without a secured budget, but last week's prime ministerial vote showed that she was prepared to be let go even without a ready budget basis. When it comes down to it, the possession of power weighs heaviest.
From a moderate perspective, it would be better with a minority government with C, MP and S.
Without the Left Party's support for a red-green budget, the S government's budget is pitted against the opposition's, which, just like in the fall of 2021, enables the right-wing bloc to gather more seats and push through its own budget, which admittedly wouldn't make me happy, but it might be worth the price if we can get a government without V.
You don't have to join the same government as Magdalena Andersson. It is enough that you announce that the Moderates will withdraw their votes in the next prime ministerial vote, but only on the condition that she does not form a government with V. In doing so, you would break the parliamentary bond and become a traitor to some and a hero to many.
If the Moderates choose that path, the Left Party will be outmaneuvered, provided that MP and C follow your line. From a moderate perspective, it would be better to have a minority government with C, MP and S than a majority government that also includes V.
The situation is reminiscent of 2022 when Magdalena Andersson extended a hand to you about a possible collaboration. However, the difference is big. Then the outstretched hand was about giving her government power.
What you can do now is not about giving Magdalena any favors, but about the logic of power, since it is clear that she already has the post of Prime Minister in her hand. By not voting in the next Prime Ministerial vote, you are kicking the legs of the Left Party.
When the last government was formed, you chose pragmatics of great measure in order to govern yourself. Now Sweden needs you to be pragmatic to prevent a fringe party from gaining government power. Are you able to take that step for the sake of the country, Ulf? If you hesitate, perhaps Jimmie, who represents an even more extreme extreme, chooses to go first to show that he is the one who takes responsibility for Sweden.
If you don't dare, it's no one else's fault, any more than it is yours, if Nooshi is minister of nutrition in a few months.
