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Swedish Prime Minister Lofven tenders resignation
Updated 22:40, 10-Nov-2021
CGTN
Sweden's Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson and Prime Minister Stefan Lofven present the Social Democrats' election manifesto in Stockholm, Sweden August 28, 2018. /Reuters

Sweden's Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson and Prime Minister Stefan Lofven present the Social Democrats' election manifesto in Stockholm, Sweden August 28, 2018. /Reuters

Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven on Wednesday tendered his resignation, a widely expected move that paves the way for his designated successor Magdalena Andersson ahead of next year's general election.

Television cameras filmed Lofven handing his resignation letter to the speaker of parliament, Andreas Norlen. 

Lofven, who has been in power for seven years, stepped down as leader of the Social Democrats at the party's congress last week. 

Andersson, who is currently finance minister, was elected to replace Lofven as party leader, putting her on track to become the country's first woman prime minister if she wins a vote in parliament. 

It remains unclear if Andersson has enough support to pass a confirmation vote in parliament, which could happen next week. 

She does not need a majority in the 349-seat parliament to back her as prime minister. But she must avoid a majority voting against her.

On Wednesday, the Centre Party agreed not to block Andersson's candidature in return for easier building regulations and changes to forestry ownership laws. 

But Andersson will still need at least passive support from the formerly communist Left Party, whose leader, Nooshi Dadgostar, has demanded a say on policy. 

If Andersson promises that, she risks losing the backing of the Centre Party, which has center-right roots and wants to exclude the Left from any influence over the government. 

If parliament rejects Andersson, the speaker is likely to ask Moderate Party leader Ulf Kristersson to try to form a government. He is backed by the populist, anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, a party that both the Centre and Left want to keep from influencing policy. 

"The Left Party has to realize that there is going to be a new government, and the question is which one do they want?" Lofven said. 

Lofven will lead a caretaker government until a new prime minister is installed.

(With input from agencies)

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