Looking good, dressing smart - Meet the new conservative prime minister of Sweden, Mr. Reinfeldt

www.guardian.co.uk ^ | 09/18/2006 | The Guardian

[WesternCulture]

Swedish centre-right alliance wins wafer-thin election victory

Sweden's centre-right opposition secured a narrow victory in yesterday's general election, ending 12 years of rule by the Social Democrats, who have governed for 65 of the last 74 years. Fredrik Reinfeldt, the next prime minister, declared victory shortly before 11pm after a nail-biting finish which gave his four-party Alliance for Sweden a wafer-thin parliamentary majority. His group was on course to win 178 seats in the 349-seat parliament - seven ahead of the Social Democrats and its allies on the left. With 99.7% of Sweden's districts counted, Mr Reinfeldt's alliance led with 48.1%, compared with 46.2% for the left. "The Swedish people have voted in an alliance government," Mr Reinfeldt told cheering, flag-waving supporters. Within minutes, the outgoing prime minister, Goran Persson, conceded defeat and announced that he would resign as leader of the Social Democrats in March.

[PGalt]

Listen to the world slowly turning...

[Robert A Cook PE]

Funny.

The unbiased and ever-so-profesional western MSM did NOT give a chance.

[Southack]

Yet another anti-Iraq-War government falls. Sweden was against the Iraq War back in 2003, now that government has been kicked to the curb.

Likewise, the anti-Iraq-War government in Germany just lost the last election. Chirac is likewise losing in France, and Martin just lost to Harper in Canada.

In contrast, pro-War Howard in Australia just won re-election, as did PM Blair in the UK, Koizumi's party in Japan, and President Bush in the U.S.

Yet the news media will say that being for the war is unpopular...while ignoring that being against the war is a pretty good way to lose an election worldwide.

[WesternCulture]

"Listen to the world slowly turning..."

If Sweden continues to evolve in this direction, Sweden will inevitably develop to an even more superior economy and an example the rest of Europe can't deny..

Today the swedish GDP/capita is already a solid 25% higher than the EU average and a trip to affluent Scandinavia, whether it's Sweden, Denmark or Norway will make even well off americans feeling poor.

Why is the the rest of the world unable to compete?
Maybe because somewhere along the line, non-scandinavians gave up on on work ethics while we did not.

Shame on you.

[sageb1]

Sweden, Britain, Germany, Canada, Australia, and more. A little bit at a time. Has the EU commented?

[goldstategop]

No, its not. The Moderates will just manage the welfare state better.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus

[sageb1]

I must be missing something. I didn't think PGalt's comment was negative. I, for one, am pleased with the results.

[WesternCulture]

You're not missing anything of vital importance.

Let's celebrate!

Personally, I admit I'm drunk as hell!

Tomorrow I have to work though, but I start in the afternoon, so no worry. Schluurp!!

[Incorrigible]

whether it's Sweden, Denmark or Norway will make even well off americans feeling poor.

Not to rain on your parade but if the price of nordic oil drops back down to $30, we'll see about this super economy in Scandinavia.

[Incorrigible]

Personally, I admit I'm drunk as hell!

OK. That explains things!

Enjoy sweet victory!

[TheLion]

[PGalt]

My heritage is Scandanavian also. My grandmother came over from Finland and the men in the family worked the copper mines of Keewenaw Peninsula in Upper Michigan.

I consider your post GREAT NEWS!

Welcome aboard and I would like to join you for one more but I just finished a beer and am off to bed.

[WesternCulture]

"Not to rain on your parade but if the price of nordic oil drops back down to $30, we'll see about this super economy in Scandinavia."

My answer:

Sweden doesen't have oil (Norway does though). Our nominal GDP/capita is more or less the same as that of the US, while GDP at PPP (purchasing power parity) is only three quarters of the US equivalent.

Now, which country has the most luxury cars like flashy BMW's, SAAB's, Mercedes's, Volvo's and Audi's and boast citizens owning a well built nice house + a summer residence as well?

GDP at PPP sucks.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Exactly how big of a change is this?

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

The BBC did.....

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Only the Norwegian economy is heavily dependent on oil.

[WesternCulture]

Hard working scandinavian nations like Finland have no oil whatsoever but get no credit at all.

Good hearted swedish folks acknowledge what you finns have done for your own nation as well as the nation of Sweden.

We salute you!!

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

The alcohol? PGalt is the one of Finnish extraction.

[sageb1]

lol!