Anti-immigration election gains divide Sweden, worry rights groups

FILE PHOTO: Moderate party leader Ulf Kristersson delivers a speach at the Moderate party election watch at the Clarion Sign Hotel, in Stockholm, Sweden, September 11, 2022.TT News Agency/Fredrik Sandberg via REUTERS

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - The populist, anti-immigration Sweden Democrats' rise to real power after Sunday's election has civil rights groups and many immigrants worried about what the future might hold in a country long known for tolerance and openness.

Social Democrat Prime Minister Magdalena resigned on Thursday, meaning Moderate Party leader Ulf Kristersson must now try to form a new government. He cannot do so without the support of the Sweden Democrats, who became the second biggest party with 20.5% of the votes.