Swedish Democrats lose ground but reshape mainstream politics

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The Sweden Democrats slipped to third after decades of growth, but their hardline positions have already reshaped the political mainstream

Swedish centre-left opposition widens lead to three seats with 95% of votes counted – live

Since the party was founded in 1988, the story of the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD) has been one of such continuous growth that a triumph in Sunday’s general election seemed inevitable.

In 2022, they capitalised on electoral gains – and the desperation of right-leaning parties to form a minority administration – and almost made their way into government . A supporting role in prime minister Ulf Kristersson’s Tidö coalition earned the party, which has neo-Nazi roots, huge influence and mainstream acceptance by the political establishment.

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