Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's warning ahead of Sweden's first elections since joining NATO: A left-wing victory would jeopardize the country's missions within NATO

Swedes are going to the polls on Sunday for the first parliamentary election since the country joined NATO, in a very close race in which Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson warns that a potential victory for the left could affect Sweden’s ability to uphold its commitments to the Alliance.

The lead held by the Social Democrats, led by Magdalena Andersson, and their allies has narrowed to 2.6% over the past two weeks—a difference within the margin of error. Kristersson argues that some left-wing parties opposed joining NATO and could complicate decisions on the defense budget and military missions.

Sweden became a NATO member in 2024, after decades of neutrality, amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Since then, Stockholm has sent troops to Latvia, ships to patrol the Baltic Sea, and Gripen aircraft for air-policing missions. The prime minister says support for Ukraine must be maintained, although the Left Party initially opposed an aid package.

Kristersson’s center-right government has relied over the past four years on the support of the Sweden Democrats, a far-right party that ranks second in the polls. If he returns to power, the prime minister says he is prepared to include members of the party in government for the first time. The candidates are criticized by the opposition because of the party’s past and its controversial ties to Russia.