Swedish Voter Shifts in 2026 Election Survey Signal Major Changes for Sverigedemokraterna and Vänsterpartiet

New SVT election survey results have revealed notable shifts in voter support among major Swedish political parties as the 2026 general election approaches. Sverigedemokraterna (SD) saw its backing drop sharply to 17.2%, down from over 20% in 2022, resulting in SD losing its position as Sweden’s second largest party to Moderaterna. At an SD election watch event in Solna, the mood turned somber when these results were announced. Party leader Linda Lindberg expressed concern over the loss of influence, emphasizing it would be detrimental for Sweden. Veteran party member Richard Jomshof described the atmosphere as “incredibly depressing” and cautioned that political compromises might have contributed to the voter shift. SVT data showed SD lost around six percentage points to Moderaterna, with additional losses to Kristdemokraterna and Socialdemokraterna.

Conversely, Vänsterpartiet (the Left Party) demonstrated gains, with support increasing by 1.3 percentage points compared to the 2022 election. This rise occurred despite serious controversies involving local party representatives accused of spreading antisemitic messages and praising convicted terrorists. Maria Forsberg, the party secretary, stated that voters were more concerned with economic issues and experiences of racism than these controversies, which she said she had not heard discussed during canvassing. The survey indicates Vänsterpartiet may surpass Centerpartiet, positioning it as potentially more influential in coalition negotiations with Socialdemokraterna. Forsberg stressed the party will vote against joining a government unless included, highlighting the importance of increased voter strength for negotiation leverage. Vänsterpartiet’s leadership, including party leader Ida Gabrielsson, expressed their resolve with the phrase “Adjö Tidö,” alluding to their distance from the Tidö agreement.

These survey results imply significant realignments ahead of the election, with Moderaterna surging ahead of SD and Vänsterpartiet rising as a formidable force. The evolving dynamics are likely to impact future government formation talks and the balance of power within the Swedish parliament, underscoring an election season marked by fluid voter preferences and shifting political influence.