Copenhagen: The Swedish parliament on Wednesday approved Magdalene Andersson as the country’s first female minister, knocked on the minister of finance recently became a new leader of the Social Democratic Party.
Andersson was tapped to replace Stefan Lofven as party leader and Prime Minister, the role he released earlier this year.
The development marks a historical milestone for Sweden, seen for decades as one of the most progressive countries in Europe when it comes to gender relations, but who do not have a woman in the top political post.
The Lofven government has described itself as “feminist”, putting equality between women and men in the heart of national and international work.
In a speech in Parliament, Amine Kakabaveh, an independent parliamentary member who supports Andersson, noted that Sweden is currently celebrating a 100-year anniversary of universal and equivalent decisions in the Scandinavian country.
“If women are only allowed to choose but have never been selected to the highest office, democracy is incomplete,” Kakabaveh said from Iranian descendants of Kurdish, said.
“There is something symbolic in this decision,” he added.
In 349 chairs Riksdag, 117 members of parliament chose Ya to Andersson, 174 refused while 57 Abstains and one member of the parliament did not exist.
Overall, the opposition puts 174 votes against Andersson but under the Swedish Constitution, the Prime Minister can be named and regulates during the majority of Parliament – a minimum of 175 parliamentarians – do not oppose them.
Lofven has led the Swedish government in a briefing capacity until the new government is formed, something expected Friday.
Anderson is likely to form two parties, minority governments with social democrats and green parties.
Andersson, 54, tried to secure support from two small parties that supported the previous Swedish-Kiwis, a minority government led by Loffven – left party and party party.
Both of them were abstained from voting against Andersson.
After days of speaking, Andersson and left party reached an agreement to win the last support.
This agreement focuses on retirement and those on supplements up to 1,000 Chronor ($ 111) for around 700,000 pensioners on low income.
The next Swedish general election is scheduled for September 11.