Kristersson blames Andersson as Centre leader faces PM vote

Ulf Kristersson has backed the decision to test Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist as prime minister, while blaming Magdalena Andersson for the failure to assemble a centrist government.

The Moderate leader told Sveriges Radio on Thursday that a parliamentary vote was a natural step after exploratory talks. He accused Andersson of withholding her plans and failing to prepare during the previous four years.

Andersson has challenged the choice of candidate, arguing that Kristersson should instead have been asked to explore his right-wing alternative, SVT reported. Thand Ringqvist had investigated a government led by Andersson rather than herself.

The Centre Party says the obstacles between the parties remain, although its leader has accepted being put forward.

The vote is due on 3 November at 13:00. If Thand Ringqvist is rejected, Speaker Andreas Norlén says Kristersson will receive the next exploratory mandate, initially for a week, Sveriges Radio reports.

Kristersson's next opportunity therefore depends on the result of the vote he now supports. An exploratory mandate would ask him to find parliamentary backing for a government.

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