ABBA star rewrites 'Mamma Mia' to back Swedish election candidate

Sweden's Social Democratic Party leader Magdalena Andersson speaks during the Social Democrats' election night party in Stockholm on September 13, 2026. Sweden's general election was too close to call early on September 14, 2026, as the incumbent prime minister and the left-wing opposition leader both said they were ready to govern and the far right was seen losing ground. With more than 90 percent of votes counted, four opposition parties led by Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson, held a three-seat majority in the 349-seat parliament over Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's right-wing alliance, which includes the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats. — TT News Agency via AFP pic

First Published: Tuesday, 15 Sep 2026 7:00 AM MYT

STOCKHOLM, Sept 15 —“Mag-da-le-na!” The composer of legendary Swedish pop group ABBA on Sunday gave the band’s hit Mamma Mia a campaign makeover to rally support for left-wing opposition candidate Magdalena Andersson.

“I thought, why not come and play for Magdalena?” Benny Andersson said from a piano set up at the Social Democrats’ party headquarters, hours after polls opened.

The 79-year-old then launched into the melody of the famous song as supporters gathered in central Stockholm.

“Mag-da-le-na!” the crowd sang along, to the amusement of Andersson, leader of the opposition Social Democrats.

Swedes are voting in a tight race that will see either the left-wing opposition reclaim power or the far right enter government for the first time. — AFP