It seemed like a new era was dawning in Sweden on Wednesday when Magdalena Andersson, leader of the center-left Social Democratic Party, became the country’s first female prime minister.

Her historic term lasted about seven hours.

She resigned Thursday, a day after a painful budget defeat in Parliament. She had only just formed a two-party minority government with the Green Party. But after their budget was rejected in favor of one proposed by the opposition, which included the far-right Sweden Democrats party, the Green Party quit the coalition out of frustration. That left Andersson without a partner.

Her resignation plunged Sweden into political uncertainty. The country’s political landscape was already frayed by fragile coalition governments and a vote of no confidence in June against the former prime minister, Stefan Lofven. Andersson later succeeded Lofven as leader of the Social Democrats.

Sweden, at one point, accepted more refugees per capita than any other European nation. But its progressive image has gradually been eroded by far-right populist sentiment that has taken hold, led by the Sweden Democrats party. The political spectrum has shifted to the right, with increasing anti-immigrant and anti-European voices.

Andersson, 54, announced that she was the new prime minister in a Facebook statement a little before 10 a.m. local time Wednesday. A little after 4:30 p.m. the same day, she released a second Facebook statement announcing her resignation.

“According to constitutional practice, a coalition government should resign if one party leaves the government,” she said. “For me, it is about respect, but I also do not want to lead a government where there may be grounds to question its legitimacy.”

Per Bolund, a Green Party spokesperson, said his faction left the government because Parliament had approved a state budget negotiated by the Sweden Democrats. The party, with neo-Nazi roots and known for its anti-immigrant politics, has seen a steady rise in popularity over the last few years.

Until a new government is elected, the current one will remain on. Andersson, who served as Sweden’s finance minister since 2014, has said she is still ready to serve as prime minister, but only in a one-party government.

It seemed like a new era was dawning in Sweden on Wednesday when Magdalena Andersson, leader of the center-left Social Democratic Party, became the country’s first female prime minister.

It seemed like a new era was dawning in Sweden on Wednesday when Magdalena Andersson, leader of the center-left Social Democratic Party, became the country’s first female prime minister. Her historic term lasted about seven hours. She resigned Thursday, a day after a painful budget defeat in Parliament. She had only just formed a two-party minority government with the Green Party. But after their budget was rejected in favor of one proposed by the opposition, which included the far-right Sweden Democrats party, the Green Party quit the coalition out of frustration. That left Andersson without a partner. Her resignation plunged Sweden into political uncertainty. The country’s political landscape was already frayed by fragile coalition governments and a vote of no confidence in June against the former prime minister, Stefan Lofven. Andersson later succeeded Lofven as leader of the Social Democrats. Sweden, at one point, accepted more refugees per capita than any other European nation. But its progressive image has gradually been eroded by far-right populist sentiment that has taken hold, led by the Sweden Democrats party. The political spectrum has shifted to the right, with increasing anti-immigrant and anti-European voices. Andersson, 54, announced that she was the new prime minister in a Facebook statement a little before 10 a.m. local time Wednesday. A little after 4:30 p.m. the same day, she released a second Facebook statement announcing her resignation. “According to constitutional practice, a coalition government should resign if one party leaves the government,” she said. “For me, it is about respect, but I also do not want to lead a government where there may be grounds to question its legitimacy.” Per Bolund, a Green Party spokesperson, said his faction left the government because Parliament had approved a state budget negotiated by the Sweden Democrats. The party, with neo-Nazi roots and known for its anti-immigrant politics, has seen a steady rise in popularity over the last few years. Until a new government is elected, the current one will remain on. Andersson, who served as Sweden’s finance minister since 2014, has said she is still ready to serve as prime minister, but only in a one-party government.

Sweden chose its first female prime minister. She lasted about 7 hours

The Arab world appears to be undergoing some significant changes, notably in terms of women's empowerment.&nbsp;

Tunisia has become the first Arab country to appoint a female prime minister, with President Kais Saied naming Najla Bouden Romdhane for the top post. 
 
"This is the first time a woman has led a cabinet in Tunisia's history," Saied said during the meeting with Romdhan, which was captured on video from the president's office. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/women-in-arab-countries-find-themselves-torn-between-opportunity-and-tradition-280562">Also read | Women in Arab countries find themselves torn between opportunity and tradition</a>

"To Tunisia and Tunisian women, it is a great honour."&nbsp;

According to reports, the country’s President, Kais Saied, asked her to form a government with limited executive clout. 
 
She is a professor of geophysics at the National School of Engineers in the capital Tunis. In 2011, she was appointed director-general in charge of quality at the Ministry of Higher Education. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-the-first-time-saudi-women-stand-guard-in-mecca-during-haj-399528">Also read | For the first time, Saudi women stand guard in Mecca during haj</a> 
 
 
<img alt="President Saied said the appointment honoured Tunisian women. (AFP Photo)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bc4829e5-c00d-4098-aba0-e691403d52e5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/afp-image.jpeg" /> 
 
President Saied said the appointment honoured Tunisian women. (AFP Photo)

On July 25, the President dismissed Hichem Mechichi's administration, halted parliament, lifted MP immunity, and assumed control of the judiciary.

The public opinion on the President's decision was split, with some Tunisians supporting him and others opposing it.

The President’s office released a video of Trump meeting with Bouden in his office and assigning her the task of proposing a cabinet "over the next few hours or days."

As she takes office in a time of crisis, all eyes are on the university lecturer from Kairouan.&nbsp;

Political scientist Slaheddine Jourchi welcomed the nomination of a female premier but warned that Tunisia faces daunting economic and political challenges.

"When we look at the CV of this lady, who is a geologist without other specialisations or experience in sensitive roles, I don't know how well she will be able to tackle these enormous, complex issues," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Arab world appears to be undergoing some significant changes, notably in terms of women's empowerment. Tunisia has become the first Arab country to appoint a female prime minister, with President Kais Saied naming Najla Bouden Romdhane for the top post.

The Arab world appears to be undergoing some significant changes, notably in terms of women's empowerment. Tunisia has become the first Arab country to appoint a female prime minister, with President Kais Saied naming Najla Bouden Romdhane for the top post. "This is the first time a woman has led a cabinet in Tunisia's history," Saied said during the meeting with Romdhan, which was captured on video from the president's office. Also read | Women in Arab countries find themselves torn between opportunity and tradition "To Tunisia and Tunisian women, it is a great honour." According to reports, the country’s President, Kais Saied, asked her to form a government with limited executive clout. She is a professor of geophysics at the National School of Engineers in the capital Tunis. In 2011, she was appointed director-general in charge of quality at the Ministry of Higher Education. Also read | For the first time, Saudi women stand guard in Mecca during haj President Saied said the appointment honoured Tunisian women. (AFP Photo) On July 25, the President dismissed Hichem Mechichi's administration, halted parliament, lifted MP immunity, and assumed control of the judiciary. The public opinion on the President's decision was split, with some Tunisians supporting him and others opposing it. The President’s office released a video of Trump meeting with Bouden in his office and assigning her the task of proposing a cabinet "over the next few hours or days." As she takes office in a time of crisis, all eyes are on the university lecturer from Kairouan. Political scientist Slaheddine Jourchi welcomed the nomination of a female premier but warned that Tunisia faces daunting economic and political challenges. "When we look at the CV of this lady, who is a geologist without other specialisations or experience in sensitive roles, I don't know how well she will be able to tackle these enormous, complex issues," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Najla Bouden Romdhan: Tunisia becomes the first Arab country to have a woman Prime Minister

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Sweden chose its first female prime minister. She lasted about 7 hours

Najla Bouden Romdhan: Tunisia becomes the first Arab country to have a woman Prime Minister