Liberals return to government in Sweden

3.32.45pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 18th Sep 2006

Reacting to the election results last night which produced a narrow victory for the Moderate Alliance (comprising Liberal, centre and centre right parties), Graham Watson MEP, Liberal and Democrat Group leader in the European Parliament said:

"I am obviously delighted for my colleagues Cecilia Malmström and Lena Ek whose parties have contributed to overturning 12 years of social democracy and its stale social demagoguery."

"The winds of change are now blowing with a new vigour in Sweden and bringing with them a new and fresh approach to political life and society's challenges."

"The new alliance will bring a blend of innovative ideas and transparency to government that will keep Sweden in the vanguard of European competitiveness whilst, at the same time, ensuring that the widest possible spectrum of society enjoy the benefits."

"It is also very interesting to note that support for the eurosceptic June List has collapsed. I would expect the new Government to be more outspokenly pro-European and make Sweden a stronger influence and inspiration to Europe in defining a better balance in its economic and social models."