HELSINKI, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- Swedish Parliament Speaker Andreas Norlen on Friday again tasked Social Democratic Party (SDP) leader and former Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson with exploring the prospects of forming a new government.
At a press conference, Norlen said developments surrounding the election of the parliament speaker had previously prompted Andersson to return the exploratory mandate, but the distribution of seats in parliament remained the basis for deciding who should be given the task.
Norlen said the new exploratory mandate will formally begin on Oct. 5, and Andersson is expected to report back by Oct. 12. She may request an extension if more time is needed for negotiations.
A vote on a new prime minister will be held in parliament after the exploratory process is completed, Norlen said.
Following the announcement, Andersson said on social media that she welcomed the speaker's decision and would use the coming weekend to consider how to proceed. She also called on all parties to carefully consider their positions.
Sweden holds parliamentary elections every four years. This year's election took place on Sept. 13.
According to the Swedish Election Authority, the SDP won 99 seats, remaining the largest party in parliament. The opposition bloc therefore secured 176 of the 349 seats and a parliamentary majority.
Outgoing Prime Minister and Moderate Party leader Ulf Kristersson tendered his resignation following the election. ■
