Ulf Kristersson is losing confidence Andersson withdraws

In June 2026, a new opinion poll conducted by Verian revealed significant shifts in public trust among Swedish political leaders. The survey highlighted a decline in confidence for Ulf Kristersson, leader of the Moderate Party (M), while Magdalena Andersson, leader of the Social Democrats (S), saw her support rise sharply. This shift has widened the gap between the two main contenders for the upcoming general election, with Andersson now leading Kristersson by 14 percentage points in terms of voter trust.

The poll results showed that 49 percent of respondents expressed either high or moderate trust in Magdalena Andersson, marking a notable increase compared to previous measurements. In contrast, Ulf Kristersson's approval rating dropped by two percentage points to 35 percent, continuing a downward trend observed over the past six months. According to Per Söderpalm, Verian’s head of opinion research, this represents a significant loss of trust for Kristersson since the beginning of spring when his ratings were at 40 percent.

The widening gap between the two leaders underscores a growing divide in public sentiment. While Andersson's rising popularity could be attributed to various factors, including policy initiatives or effective communication strategies, Kristersson faces challenges in maintaining public confidence amid ongoing controversies and economic concerns. The poll also noted that other party leaders experienced varying levels of change in their perceived trustworthiness.

Notably, one party leader on Tidö Island saw an increase in public trust, surpassing Jimmie Åkesson of the Sweden Democrats (SD) in the trust rankings. This suggests that regional dynamics and local issues might play a crucial role in shaping voter perceptions and preferences.

The Verian survey was based on approximately 1,000 online interviews conducted between June 12 and 16, 2026. Participants were randomly selected from individuals aged 18 to 84 years through the Sifo panel. The question posed to participants was about the level of trust they had in each party leader. This methodology aimed to capture a broad cross-section of the electorate, providing insights into shifting political sentiments.

The findings indicate that the Social Democratic Party is experiencing its lowest recorded trust levels during the current legislative period. Meanwhile, the Moderate Party continues to struggle with maintaining its base, facing competition from both established and emerging political forces. Additionally, the poll highlighted a high proportion of undecided voters, suggesting that the upcoming election remains highly contested and unpredictable.

Regional differences in voting behavior were also evident, particularly in how men and women perceive the candidates. Women appear to be increasingly favoring the red-green alliance, with two-thirds of young women indicating they would vote for this coalition. This gender-based division in political preferences could influence the overall outcome of the election, especially in areas where such divisions are more pronounced.

As the election approaches, these polling results will likely shape campaign strategies and public discourse. Political analysts and commentators are expected to scrutinize these trends closely, looking for patterns that might predict future developments. With the landscape of Swedish politics evolving rapidly, the coming months will be critical in determining which parties and leaders can secure the necessary support to win power.