An Election in Sweden Shows Shifting Priorities

Sweden’s election campaign is pointing to shifting priorities that could advantage left-leaning parties despite the incumbent center-right government. With voting set for Sunday, recent polls show a center-left coalition holding a narrow lead over its center-right rivals. The story’s backdrop is a country where gun violence has fallen after years of increases, while major firms such as Volvo, IKEA and Spotify continue to support faster economic growth than much of Europe. Analysts say attention is moving away from migration as inflation, migration pressures, and shootings ease. The Social Democrats lead the polls at 27%, and the left is projected at 51% with allies. However, the Sweden Democrats remain strong at 19%.