The Birth of Sweden's First Female Prime Minister

▲Magdalena Andersson, Sweden's new Prime Minister

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Sweden has appointed its first female prime minister in history.

According to AFP on the 24th (local time), Magdalena Andersson, leader of Sweden's ruling Social Democratic Party, was elected as the new prime minister.

The election of the new prime minister follows the resignation of former Prime Minister Stefan L?fven, who led a minority coalition government from the center-left Social Democratic Party, on the 10th of this month.

The Social Democratic minority coalition government holds only about one-third of the seats, leading to uncertainty about the vote outcome. However, Andersson made history as the first female prime minister by securing the support of the Left Party outside the coalition through last-minute negotiations the night before the approval vote.

In Sweden, a prime ministerial candidate does not need the majority support of the parliament, only that a majority does not oppose them.

Andersson, 54 years old this year, an economic expert and former swimmer, was elected party leader on the 4th, succeeding former Prime Minister L?fven before her prime ministerial approval.

Former Prime Minister L?fven, 64, had served since 2014. He resigned after a parliamentary vote of no confidence in June but was re-elected as prime minister in July.