Social Democrats

Swedish Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson has given up her attempt to form a new government, leaving the country in political deadlock following an election that produced no clear majority. Party leaders will now turn to Parliament Speaker Andreas Norlén to decide the next steps, with fresh elections a possible outcome.

Magdalena Andersson, leader of Sweden's opposition Social Democrats and former prime minister, says she cannot form a government in the current political situation. The announcement rules her out of attempts to build a governing coalition amid a stalemate following the recent election, leaving Sweden's next government uncertain.

Magdalena Andersson, leader of Sweden's Social Democrats, has handed back the government mandate to the Speaker after the Left Party shifted position, ending her attempt to form a government. The move deepens Sweden's political deadlock following an election that left no bloc with a clear majority, and attention now turns to whether the Speaker will give Ulf Kristersson of the Moderates the next chance to form a government.

Commentary in international media is asking whether the foundations of German democracy are weakening. The question reflects growing concern over political instability, the rise of extremist parties and pressure on Germany's established political institutions. Observers are debating whether the country's postwar democratic order can withstand its current political and social strains.

Donald Trump has again spoken warmly about New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a progressive Democrat, in what Politico describes as the latest such display of cordiality between the two. The outlet argues the timing is awkward for Republicans, who have sought to portray Mamdani's brand of democratic socialism as a threat ahead of coming electoral contests.