Sweden to slash migration as the right takes control

Radical populists will ‘freeze’ the asylum system
The leader of the Sweden Democrats, Jimmie Akesson, which came second in the general election, says it’s time to “put Sweden first”
The leader of the Sweden Democrats, Jimmie Akesson, which came second in the general election, says it’s time to “put Sweden first”
STEFAN JERREVANG/GETTY IMAGES

Sweden’s radical right is demanding measures to deport foreign criminals, strip gang members of their citizenship and “freeze” the asylum system as its price for propping up a conservative-led government.

The country is poised for a sharp swing to the right after the populist Sweden Democrats came second in the general election on Sunday, establishing themselves as kingmakers in a finely balanced parliament. After three decades of being shut out by mainstream parties, they have been invited to join coalition talks for the first time.

Magdalena Andersson, the country’s first female prime minister and leader of the Social Democratic Party, handed in her resignation after her left-leaning bloc fell short of a majority. She will stay on in a caretaker capacity.

Magdalena Andersson, Sweden's prime minister and leader of the Social Democratic Party, has resigned
Magdalena Andersson, Sweden's prime minister and leader of the Social Democratic Party, has resigned
TIM ARO/AP

The initiative has