Swedish voters set 3% threshold for tactical support of struggling Liberal Party

The Liberal Party in Sweden faces a historically weak position as the general election approaches, with support hovering around 2 percent for the entire year. Political scientists note that no party polling this low so close to an election has ever cleared the 4% threshold to enter parliament.

The party's hope may lie in tactical voters – those who see a benefit in the Liberals entering parliament even if it's not their preferred choice. Without the Liberals, the chances of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson securing another term are slim. Simona Mohamsson, a prominent figure in the party, recently appealed to supporters of other parties within the governing bloc for their "helping hand."

However, a new survey by DN/Ipsos reveals a stark calculation among voters regarding this risk. The message to Mohamsson is clear: for voters to offer their support, upcoming polls must show an increased chance of the Liberal Party reaching the threshold. The critical line is drawn at 3 percent; if the party remains below this, voters are unwilling to take the chance.

"Will voters dare to tactically vote for the Liberal Party? Or will they perceive it as wasted? That is the question only the poll development can answer," says Nicklas Källebring, a poll analyst at Ipsos. The survey further indicates that the threshold for feeling "really comfortable" with a tactical vote is 3.5 percent. Källebring concludes that the Liberal Party must see a substantial rise in the polls to gain meaningful tactical support on election day.