Sweden's Center Party faces a critical leadership decision as it prepares to select its third leader in less than a year. The party's nomination committee will propose a new leader ahead of the November conference in Karlstad.
Multiple party sources point to Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist as the clear frontrunner. One insider expressed concern about the selection process, stating that without a strong candidate, the party could face the same challenges as the Liberals did earlier this year when multiple candidates declined their leadership.
"All other potential candidates have said no, so we really only have one clear person left," a party source revealed. "Otherwise we end up in a similar situation to the Liberals this spring when everyone declined."
Another source confirmed this assessment, noting "To my knowledge, there are no other realistic names."
However, not everyone views the process as settled. "There are several names circulating," another insider commented, suggesting the race might not be completely decided.
Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist entered parliament in 2022 and previously ran for party leadership two years ago, when Muharrem Demirok ultimately won the position. Her previous candidacy and parliamentary experience provide reassurance to some party members.
"I think it gives security to many that she doesn't just take the opportunity when it appears, but has thought this through," a source noted.
The Center Party's youth wing has openly endorsed Ringqvist, with its chairperson stating she "would follow her anywhere." EU parliamentarian Emma Wiesner has also declared support.
After two rapid leadership changes, many within the party emphasize the need for stability regardless of who becomes the new leader.
"We need a leader who can continue where Anna-Karin Hatt left off," explained a party member. "We've filled the train with policy content - now we need an engineer to drive it forward."
Anna-Karin Hatt announced her resignation after just five months in office, creating the second leadership vacuum in close proximity to an election. Some party members acknowledged the difficulty of their situation.
"One shouldn't hide that it's tough," a source admitted. "No party wants to be in such a position."
Despite the challenges, others described the mood as calm within the party. "We're sad about how things turned out. But we're also used to solving problems, and we'll solve this one too."
The next leader will immediately face the ongoing question of government cooperation. Recent reports suggest the party may be softening its stance toward the Left Party, though not to the point of accepting Left Party ministers.
One Center Party source told media that "all Center Party members know that the path to power right now goes through Magdalena Andersson," referring to the Social Democratic leader.
Another party member confirmed that the approach toward the Left Party is under discussion, but emphasized that no decisions will be made until the new leader takes office.
"It's a completely different discussion now than a few years ago," the member noted. "But everything is paused until we have a new leader in place."
Some within the party questioned reports about softened positions toward the left, with one member expressing surprise and irritation about anonymous sources making such claims.
That source didn't view the government question as the most pressing issue. "We go to elections on policy issues, not on 'presidential candidate.' Then we'll see how we can form a government based on that."
The Center Party will elect its next leader at the party conference in Karlstad from November 13-16.
The party's rapid leadership turnover reflects deeper challenges within Sweden's political center, where maintaining distinct identity while pursuing potential governing partnerships creates constant tension. The repeated leadership changes suggest internal divisions that the new leader must urgently address to prevent further erosion of party cohesion and voter confidence.