Sweden's Parliament Approves Magdalena Andersson As 1st Female PM

Sweden’s parliament on Wednesday approved Magdalena Andersson as the country’s first female prime minister following 33 men.

Andersson was tapped to replace Stefan Lofven as party leader and prime minister, roles he relinquished earlier this year.

Lofven's government describes itself as feminist, putting equality between women and men at the heart of national and international work.

In a speech to parliament, Amineh Kakabaveh, an independent lawmaker who supported Andersson, pointed out that Sweden is currently celebrating the 100th anniversary of a decision to introduce universal and equal suffrage in the Scandinavian country.

“If women are only allowed to vote but are never elected to the highest office, democracy is not complete,” said Kakabaveh who is of Iranian Kurdish descent.

“There is something symbolic in this decision," she added. “Feminism is always about girls and women being complete people who have the same opportunities as men and boys."

Following her appointment in parliament, where she got a standing ovation and a bouquet of red roses, Andersson said: “I was really moved by what she said. She pinpointed exactly what I thought.”

“I have been elected Sweden’s first female prime minister and know what it means for girls in our country,” Andersson added.

In the 349-seat Riksdag, 117 lawmakers voted yes to Andersson, 174 rejected her appointment while 57 abstained and one lawmaker was absent.

Notably, Lofven has been leading the Swedish government in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed, something expected Friday.

Meantime, Andersson likely will form a two-party, minority government with her Social Democrats and the Green Party. Sweden’s next general election is scheduled for Sept. 11.