Tomas Ramberg: C doesn't have to choose a side now either

There are many indications that the next prime ministerial vote will be about Ulf Kristersson. The drama has been heightened because we are at the third vote - the fourth could lead to an extra election. The decision about Kristersson has been seen as particularly fateful for the Center Party.

But nothing prevents the Center from ducking once more. If Thand Ringqvist is dissatisfied with both Andersson's and Kristersson's offer, she can vote down the moderate leader without choosing a side. And say that she remains open to suggestions – that a no now could become a yes later if she just gets a better package.

As long as the speaker's patience allows, Thand Ringqvist could continue to negotiate in parallel with both sides. She does not have to take a final position until a final vote is inevitable.

Which candidate the Speaker then chooses to put forward depends on the Centre's choice. The speaker's most important task is to try to get the Riksdag's support for a prime minister and avoid an additional election. If he achieves that by having the Riksdag vote on Kristersson one more time, he will do it.

The left party's defection from the negotiations with Andersson was an attempt to persuade the Speaker to strike with a third vote. The Left Party's calculation is that the Center will then be forced to choose a side - and that the right-wing alternative will definitely be sorted out if the Center votes down the moderate leader.

But it doesn't have to be that way.

Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist can continue to be the main character of the government drama as long as she wants. Even if she gives Kristersson the nod now, the Center still has three options – Andersson, Kristersson or extra election. The other parties would gnash their teeth, but still be forced to negotiate with Thand Ringqvist.

At the same time, there may be arguments for putting the foot down immediately. Which timing is best depends on how the management assesses the mood in the party. If Thand Ringqvist wants to push to the right, it is important to choose a time when her side has the upper hand. While the centrist parties who want to nob Kristersson will argue for postponing the decision to a fourth round.

The Swedish government problem continues to be in the hands of the Center's internal life.