There has been a big change in the politics of Sweden in one stroke. Magdalena Andersson resigned from the post just hours after she was appointed as the country's first female prime minister. Andersson was elected prime minister on Wednesday, but her coalition partner, the Junior Green Party, left the two-party minority government. Because of this, the budget of the Andersson coalition government could not be passed. After this entire episode, Anderson resigned before taking office.
Sweden's parliament on Wednesday elected Magdalena Andersson as prime minister. She became the first woman to hold this position. Andersson was elected the new leader of the Social Democratic Party. She was to be appointed in place of Stefan Lofven. Who resigned from the post of Prime Minister earlier this year.
Lofven is currently handling the responsibility of the caretaker prime minister. Andersson was earlier the Finance Minister.
Andersson said that the decision to quit the Green Party, the junior party in the coalition, forced her to resign. Andersson further stated that she had told the Speaker of Parliament that she expected to be appointed prime minister as the head of a one-party government.
At the same time, the Green Party said that they decided to back down after Parliament rejected the coalition's budget bill.
Sweden is considered one of the most progressive countries in Europe in terms of gender equality, but so far no woman has been given the reins of the country.
In such a situation, this development was being considered a milestone for Sweden. "Democracy cannot be complete if women only keep voting and are not elected to the highest office," said independent MP Amina Kakababu, who supported Andersson, in her speech in parliament.
In Sweden's 349-member parliament, 117 lawmakers voted in favour of Andersson and 174 against. 57 MPs did not take part in the voting while one MP remained absent. Altogether 174 MPs voted against Andersson, but according to the Swedish constitution, if at least 175 MPs are not against a person, he\she can be appointed prime minister.
