Magdalena Anderson became the first female PM of Sweden, 174 MPs protested in 349

Copenhagen: Sweden’s parliament on Wednesday elected Magdalena Andersen as prime minister. She will be the first woman in the country to hold this position. Anderson has been elected the new leader of the Social Democratic Party. She will replace Stefan Lofven, who resigned as prime minister earlier this year. Jofven is currently handling the responsibility of caretaker prime minister. Anderson was the country’s finance minister before being elected to the post of prime minister.

Sweden is considered one of Europe’s most progressive countries in terms of gender equality, but so far no woman has been given the reins of the country. In such a situation, this development is being considered as a milestone for Sweden. “Democracy cannot be complete if women only keep voting and are not elected to the highest office,” said independent lawmaker Amina Kakabaweh, who supported Anderson, in her speech in parliament.

Anderson (54) said in Parliament after her election, ‘Feminism has always been about girls and women being complete. They also have equal opportunities as men and boys. I have been elected the first female prime minister of Sweden and know the importance of this for women in our country. In Sweden’s 349-member parliament, 117 lawmakers voted in favor of Andersen and 174 against.

57 MPs did not take part in the voting while one MP remained absent. Altogether 174 MPs voted against Andersen, but according to the Swedish constitution, a person can be appointed prime minister if at least 175 MPs are not against it. In such a situation, the way was cleared for Anderson to be elected Prime Minister. Anderson will form a minority government of two parties, the Social Democrats and the Green Party.