The nationalist Sweden Democrats had seized the chance to call the vote after the formerly communist Left Party withdrew support for the center-left government over a plan to ease rent controls for new-build apartments.Sweden Democrat leader Jimmie Akesson told parliament the government was harmful and historically weak, adding: “It should never have come into power.”
The no-confidence motion, which required 175 votes in the 349-seat parliament to pass, was supported by 181 lawmakers.
Lofven, 63, is the first Swedish prime minister to be ousted by a no-confidence motion put forward by the opposition. After the vote, Lofven said he would hold discussions with other parties and decide whether to resign or call snap elections within a week.
