It was perhaps the most anticipated event of the fall. Almost to the day, one month after the votes in the election were counted, Magdalena Andersson (S) failed in the first prime ministerial vote. It was not only expected based on Tuesday's announcement from the S leader that she did not lead to an agreement - but also based on the party leaders' stated attitude to the government formation process itself.
Andersson herself stated that she had always believed that several votes would be required, when she held a press conference after reporting on her probe mission to the speaker.
Everyone else thinks the same thing. A deadline and the threat of extra elections are needed for things to happen, reason both politicians and assessors. What's happening right now, it's just a show.
And frankly: not a very high-quality one.
Simona Mohamsson (L) can't even manage to make time in the calendar to meet the S leader. Nooshi Dadgostar (V) refuses to sit down at all at a negotiating table before everyone else has accepted her most important demands. And Magdalena Andersson looks like she's just passing the time.
Perhaps it is the case that all ultimate demands mean that a government is impossible and an extra election necessary - but the politicians can at least try, right?
Precisely the last appears risky to say the least. What if the locks don't go away, only the time pressure increases? Think about the fact that difficult conversations are actually required between and within the parties, and that these take time, to find a solution - at the same time as time is running out?
Also, it is disrespectful to the voters. Perhaps it is the case that all ultimate demands mean that a government is impossible and an extra election necessary - but the politicians can at least try, right? Sit down and talk politics.
It may also be worth remembering what has happened outside of Sweden during the month that has passed since the votes were counted. A sample:
● Vladimir Putin has stepped up his terror campaign against Ukraine. Last week, 30 people were killed in an attack at a civilian bus stop. Over 20 – including several children – were killed in an attack on a residential building.
● Donald Trump has struck a deal with Vladimir Putin to allow Russia to export diesel and replenish its war coffers. Trump has also announced an "energy ceasefire" that only applies to the Ukrainians, threatening to freeze both arms deliveries and intelligence sharing if they don't stop attacking Russian territory.
● Several boats in the Strait of Hormuz have been attacked, and the Houthi rebels are attacking Saudi Arabia. The price of oil is above 100 dollars a barrel and on Wednesday new US inflation figures pointed upwards.
It would be flattering if our politicians showed that the government formation they are currently involved in is taking place against the background of the most serious global situation in a very long time.
● This week, the IMF warned of exploding deficits and large debt mountains in Europe and North America. Interest rates on government bonds have risen to the highest levels in a couple of decades and there is talk of a French debt crisis.
● On Wednesday, the Financial Times published an interview with Marine Le Pen, the French right-wing populist who has her sights set on the presidential election next year. 2027 will be a key year, she says, then Europe's nationalists will take a big step forward and take the fight to the EU - Ursula von der Leyen must be forced out as Commission President.
Sweden can certainly manage a few months with a transitional government, as well as an additional election. But it's not something worth striving for.
And it would be flattering if our politicians showed that the government formation they are currently involved in is taking place against the background of the most serious global situation in a very long time. That they don't waste time on charades, but do their best to get a new government in place as quickly as possible.
