Union boss poised to lead Swedish opposition party

STOCKHOLM — A metal-workers union boss is poised to take over Sweden's main opposition Social Democratic Party after the previous leader stepped down following a string of gaffes and waffling on key policy issues.

Stefan Lofven has led the powerful IF Metall union since 2005. He received the backing Thursday of the left-leaning party's executive committee. The party leadership is to make a formal decision Friday.

Once the dominant political force in Sweden, the Social Democrats have been in a downward spiral since losing power to a center-right coalition in 2006.

Support shrunk to a historical low in the 2010 election, and kept falling in opinion polls after lawmaker Hakan Juholt took over. He resigned Saturday as doubts grew over his competence as party leader.

Scientific American

• Union boss poised to lead Swedish opposition party