That is a good question, and one I have been pondering. To some extent it is set by the party's time table. If it is the general assembly of the party that elects party leader and they don't meet until spring, spring it is.

As for Reinfeldt leaving right now even though they can't elect a successor I think it is part strategy, but mostly I think it is stepping out before the calls come for him to resign. As is, he is the longest serving right wing PM for at least a century and he steps down with a fairly good personal reputation.

Outgoing finance minister Borg has also declared he is leaving politics, leaving the party without any household names. That won't hurt them long term, but it makes sure that a new election is not in their interest.

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No. A Moderate-Social Democrat government, a grand coalition, is unthinkable in Sweden. Inconceivable, barring an actual shooting war.

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