SWEDISH LEFT PARTY THREATENS TO OUST PM OVER RENT CONTROLS

Sweden's Left Party said on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, it would seek support from the main opposition to oust Prime Minister Stefan Lofven if the government did not drop or change plans for the abolition of rent controls on new-build properties within 48 hours.

The Left Party is not part of the government, but the minority coalition of the Social Democrats and Greens needs its backing to stay in power if the rest of the opposition is united, Reuters reported.

"Our support will cease to exist if the government implements any proposals for market rents or free rent setting," Left Party leader Nooshi Dadgostar told a news conference. "Stefan Lofven has 48 hours to act."

Lofven may be ousted if the majority of the 349-member parliament expresses no confidence in him.

Dadgostar said Lofven could either drop the plans or bring in the Tenants Association to help reshape the planned legislation. The Left Party would need the support of at least one other party to force a vote of no-confidence. Only the right-wing, populist Sweden Democrats have indicated they would be willing to join such a move.

The Left has said previously that it would not work with the Sweden Democrats, a party with roots in the far-right. The main center-right opposition Moderates and Christian Democrats support easing rent controls. Even if a no-confidence vote is held, it is unclear whether Lofven would be ousted.

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