Sweden's First Female Prime Minister Andersson Returns as PM Just 5 Days After Resignation

by Kwon Jaehee

Published 30 Nov.2021 08:06(KST)

▲Magdalena Andersson, Prime Minister of Sweden [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Magdalena Andersson, the Prime Minister of Sweden, returned to the premiership just five days after resigning.

On the 29th (local time), according to major foreign media, Prime Minister Andersson took office again just five days after finishing her first term.

Andersson, leader of Sweden's center-left Social Democratic Party, had previously become Sweden's first female prime minister on November 24. However, the coalition government collapsed when the Green Party, which had formed the coalition, withdrew, leading to her resignation just seven hours after being elected prime minister.

In Sweden, a prime minister candidate does not need majority support in parliament but is elected as long as there is no majority opposition. However, since the Social Democratic minority coalition initially held only about one-third of the seats, the situation was uncertain, and the Green Party's withdrawal from the coalition ultimately led to her resignation.

However, on the 29th, the Social Democratic government won a vote of confidence and Andersson returned to the premiership just five days after her resignation.

Andersson, 54 years old this year, will lead the government for about 10 months until the next general election on September 11 next year.

At a press conference after her re-election, Andersson said, "Someone has to be the prime minister of this country," adding, "It seems there is no alternative other than me."

She also stated that although it is a 10-month government, her administration will focus on welfare and the climate crisis, and will also confront organized crime and racial discrimination.