<p id="thickbox_headline">Sweden's parliament on Wednesday approved Magdalena Andersson as the country's first female prime minister, tapping the finance minister who recently became the new leader of the Social Democratic party.</p>.<p>Andersson was tapped to replace Stefan Lofven as party leader and prime minister, roles he relinquished earlier this year. The development marked a milestone for Sweden, viewed for decades as one of Europe's most progressive countries when it comes to gender relations, but which had yet to have a woman in the top political post.</p>.<p>Lofven's government has describes itself as “feminist,” putting equality between women and men at the heart of national and international work.</p>.<p>In a speech to parliament, Amineh Kakabaveh, an independent lawmaker who supported Andersson, noted that Sweden is currently celebrating the 100th anniversary of a decision to introduce universal and equal suffrage in the Scandinavian country.</p>.<p>“If women are only allowed to vote but are never elected to the highest office, democracy is not complete,” Kakabaveh who is of Iranian Kurdish descent, said.</p>.<p>“There is something symbolic in this decision," she added.</p>.<p>In the 349-seat Riksdag, 117 lawmakers voted yes to Andersson, 174 rejected her while 57 abstained and one lawmaker was absent.</p>.<p>In all, the opposition cast 174 votes against Andersson but under the Swedish Constitution, prime ministers can be named and govern as long as a parliamentary majority — a minimum of 175 lawmakers — is not against them.</p>.<p>Lofven has been leading the Swedish government in a caretaking capacity until a new government is formed, something expected Friday. Andersson likely will form a two-party, minority government with her Social Democrats and the Green Party.</p>.<p>Andersson, 54, sought to secure the backing of the two smaller parties that supported Sweden's previous center-left, minority government led by Lofven — the Left Party and the Center Party. Both abstained from voting against Andersson.</p>.<p>After days of talks, Andersson and the Left Party reached a deal to win the latter's support. The deal focused on pensions and they on a supplement of of up to 1,000 kronor (USD 111) for about 700,000 pensioners on low incomes.</p>.<p>Sweden's next general election is scheduled for September 11.</p>.<p><strong>Check out the latest DH videos:</strong></p>
<p id="thickbox_headline">Sweden's parliament on Wednesday approved Magdalena Andersson as the country's first female prime minister, tapping the finance minister who recently became the new leader of the Social Democratic party.</p>.<p>Andersson was tapped to replace Stefan Lofven as party leader and prime minister, roles he relinquished earlier this year. The development marked a milestone for Sweden, viewed for decades as one of Europe's most progressive countries when it comes to gender relations, but which had yet to have a woman in the top political post.</p>.<p>Lofven's government has describes itself as “feminist,” putting equality between women and men at the heart of national and international work.</p>.<p>In a speech to parliament, Amineh Kakabaveh, an independent lawmaker who supported Andersson, noted that Sweden is currently celebrating the 100th anniversary of a decision to introduce universal and equal suffrage in the Scandinavian country.</p>.<p>“If women are only allowed to vote but are never elected to the highest office, democracy is not complete,” Kakabaveh who is of Iranian Kurdish descent, said.</p>.<p>“There is something symbolic in this decision," she added.</p>.<p>In the 349-seat Riksdag, 117 lawmakers voted yes to Andersson, 174 rejected her while 57 abstained and one lawmaker was absent.</p>.<p>In all, the opposition cast 174 votes against Andersson but under the Swedish Constitution, prime ministers can be named and govern as long as a parliamentary majority — a minimum of 175 lawmakers — is not against them.</p>.<p>Lofven has been leading the Swedish government in a caretaking capacity until a new government is formed, something expected Friday. Andersson likely will form a two-party, minority government with her Social Democrats and the Green Party.</p>.<p>Andersson, 54, sought to secure the backing of the two smaller parties that supported Sweden's previous center-left, minority government led by Lofven — the Left Party and the Center Party. Both abstained from voting against Andersson.</p>.<p>After days of talks, Andersson and the Left Party reached a deal to win the latter's support. The deal focused on pensions and they on a supplement of of up to 1,000 kronor (USD 111) for about 700,000 pensioners on low incomes.</p>.<p>Sweden's next general election is scheduled for September 11.</p>.<p><strong>Check out the latest DH videos:</strong></p>