At a press briefing following the meeting with the Speaker, Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson stated that she is ready to take responsibility for the election results and wishes to seek "broad cooperation."
"I am available to form a new government," she declared.
To all questions regarding how she intends to reconcile the "red lines" of the Centre Party and the Left Party, she replied:
"First, we must see who is given sonderingsuppdraget [the task of trying to form a new government]; after that, I will begin discussions and negotiations with other parties."
Andersson said she would contact six party leaders — implying that she was ready to talk to every party leader except Jimmie Åkesson, leader of the far-right Sweden Democrats.
She noted that this meant she also planned to speak to Ulf Kristersson, leader of the Moderate Party.
"Of course; if I receive sonderingsuppdraget, I will reach out to him," she said, adding that she expects a pleasant conversation.
Magdalena Andersson also said that she has already been in contact with several party leaders, without specifying which ones.
She did would not reveal whether she has already extended invitations for any meetings.
Left Party leader Nooshi Dadgostar made a brief statement on her way to meet the Speaker. She said she supports the Social Democratic leader as the next Prime Minister and defends the position that her party should be part of the government. The Left Party’s votes cannot be handed over to the Centre Party or the Social Democrats, she said.
"Our voters have rejected them. They do not want to be represented by Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist or Magdalena Andersson; instead, they need a voice of their own," she said.
Speaker Andreas Norlén is meeting with the party leaders today for initial talks. They have been summoned to the Speaker’s office in order of party size.
Magdalena Andersson was the first to meet him, at 10am, Simona Mohamsson of the Liberals will be the last, at 2pm.
A press conference with the Speaker is planned following the meetings, at approximately 3.30pm this afternoon.
The rounds of talks with the Speaker are intended to result in someone being tasked with attempting to form a government.
Christian Democrats leader Ebba Busch told the news agency TT that "trust-based conversations between the party leaders" will be necessary.
She declines to answer whether she has congratulated Magdalena Andersson yet: "I note that they do not yet have a basis for a government," she said.