Sweden's right bloc inched into the narrowest of leads with around 90% of votes counted after a general election, with results pointing to a new government after eight years of Social Democrat rule
Moderates' Kristersson has allied with Sweden DemocratsPolls closed at 1800 GMT, preliminary results due Wed
In further evidence of a shift to the right, the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats are set to overtake the Moderates as Sweden's second biggest party and the biggest in the opposition - a historic shift in a country that has long prided itself on tolerance and openness.Nevertheless, Moderate leader Ulf Kristersson is likely to be the right's candidate for prime minister.
"Right now it looks like there will be a change of power. Our ambition is to sit in the government," Sweden Democrat leader Jimmie Akesson told jubilant supporters at a post-election party.TOUGH ON CRIME Andersson was finance minister for many years before becoming Sweden's first female prime minister a year ago.INTO THE MAINSTREAM
The strong result for the Sweden Democrats fits a pattern of gains for the anti-immigration right wing across Europe where Italy looks poised to elect a conservative bloc including Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy and Matteo Salvini's League later this month.