SWEDEN’S far right failed to make the expected breakthrough in yesterday’s general election as mainstream parties’ support crumbled.

The nationalist Sweden Democrats attempted to claim victory after preliminary results of the election showed it polled 17.6 per cent of the vote, up from 12.9 per cent in 2014.

Leader Jimmie Akesson suggested the party were “kingmakers,” indicating he is open to talks to form a coalition government, but it is unlikely other parties would be willing to enter such a formation.