Swedish Opposition Inches Ahead in Cliffhanger Election

Facts

In Sweden's general election on Sun., the conservative parties project to emerge victorious, holding a small lead over other parties.
With around 90% of the votes counted on Mon., early figures predict that the Moderate, Sweden Democrat, Christian Democrat, and Liberal parties have won around 176 seats in the 349-seat parliament compared to the 173 seats won by the center-left parties, headed by Social Democratic Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson.
The Sweden Democrats party is predicted to be the big winner in the election. It would become the country's second-largest party with 20% of the votes.
According to the early count, the ruling left-wing Social democrats won 30.5% of the vote, more than any other party. Exit polls predicted a narrow victory for Andersson's camp, but election results tipped in favor of the conservatives.
The two dominant issues during the election campaign were the sharp rise in energy prices and gang-related violence. Rising inflation and the energy crisis following the Russian invasion of Ukraine have worried many voters, and recent shootings have reportedly left many voters insecure.
The election authority said the election results will be announced sometime before Wed., when uncounted votes, including votes cast abroad, have been tallied.

Left narrative, as provided by CNBC. With Sweden's long history of liberal traditions, these election results come as a shock for many, as far-right Sweden Democrats emerged from neo-Nazi activity. The party's position as the largest party on the right places them in a strong position, which is a scary thought for many Swedes today.
Right narrative, as provided by Independent. The Social Democrat government has let the welfare state fall apart. Sweden is now a country ravaged by crime. The nordic nation has been a great country, a safe country, and a successful country before - it can be all these things again. Now is the time for a change.