Photo: JESSICA GOW/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images
On Wednesday, Social Democrat Magdalena Andersson was elected as the successor to Stefan Löfven, who resigned from the position in August,Reutersreports. The 54-year-old previously served as the finance minister since 2014.
According toBBC, 117 members of parliament voted for Andersson while 174 voted against her and 57 members abstained. Though she did not win the election, the Swedish Constitution reportedly states that the prime minister can govern as long as a majority — at least 175 lawmakers — isn’t against them, per the outlet.
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Along with being Sweden’s first female prime minister, Andersson is also the first female to lead any of the Nordic countries — Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.
As she steps into her new role, Andersson said she will focus on the welfare of the country and law and order.
“Sweden is a fantastic country, but we are facing a number of serious problems,” she told reporters,Politicoreports. “I plan to lift every stone to break segregation and push back the violent crime which is plaguing Sweden … and I also want to begin the process of getting a grip on the welfare state to ensure that all workers can enjoy decent conditions.”
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“If women are only allowed to vote but are never elected to the highest office, democracy is not complete,” said Kakabaveh, per the outlet. “There is something symbolic in this decision.”
In the upcoming week, Andersson is set to name her ministers, including her successor as finance minister.
source: people.com
