The Social Democrats back down in Linköping's municipal elections - but keep the baton in government formation

The clearest thing in the election results for the municipal election in Linköping is that the Social Democrats are backing down - 2.9 percent. Despite that, they are still the municipality's largest party and the party that holds the baton now that a new government is to be formed. But so far, Kristina Edlund (S) has not wanted to appear for any interview with SVT Nyheter Öst.

"We are in talks with various parties and will come back when there is more to say," she says via text message.

The Social Democrats' partner, the Moderates, made a more stable choice - and only backed down by 0.1 percent. And it seems that M is possibly interested in a continued collaboration.

- But in that case, a third party is required. It is part of the talks we are having now, if there are conditions for it, which party it could be and if we can agree politically, says Niklas Borg (M).

The upstart party forward

One of the reasons why the S and M board was formed in 2022 was the success of the local party Linköpinglistan. And this year was also a good choice for the upstart party. After Sunday, the party landed on 10 percent and received another mandate in the council.

- We have discussions and we talk. We are open to all possible constellations and we are definitely an actor in that we received eight mandates. But it's hard to say where it lands. It is the Social Democrats who control this, says Cecilia Helber (LL).

See more in the clip above.