Social democrats pick trade union leader to head party
Friday 27 January 2012
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EmailSweden's main opposition Social Democrats named the chairman of the union of metalworkers as their new leader today.
Stefan Lofven takes over from party chairman Hakan Juholt who resigned last week after several political gaffes which critics said cost the party crucial support.
The broad-shouldered former welder has led the powerful IF Metall union since 2005. He was officially appointed party leader at a meeting in Stockholm yesterday.
The Social Democrats - Sweden's dominant political force for decades - have struggled to regain ground since losing power to a centre-right coalition in the 2006 elections.
Under Mr Juholt's leadership support for the party fell to 25 percent according to a December poll - its lowest level since the 1920s.
Mr Lofven told delegates at the party meeting that his top priority would be to reverse the plunge in support. He vowed to strive for social democratic principles, including strengthening equality and reducing unemployment and poverty.
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