I'll let this foggy photo from Sunday morning represent two different things.
First, the fact that over the past week the inside of my head has been feeling rather foggy as well; as during the previous weekend I managed to contract a cold, involving all the usual ingredients, from a sore throat and headaches to running nose and a barking cough. No point in trying to pin down exactly where I might have caught it from, as last weekend, with my brother here, we spent three days visiting several different restaurants, shops, museums - and public restrooms...
Second, the foggy view may also represent the fact that we have a general election coming up in Sweden next Sunday. As usual (every four years) we have three elections at the same time: National (parliament), regional and local. So both national and local media lately have been full of political debates, and little else - and that will continue for a while yet!
In our parliament we currently have eight parties, divided into two opposing "blocks". The previous election result four years ago took a long time to sort out and ended in a right-wing government. We're probably in for a similar situation once again this time - i.e. that it may again take time to sort out the results, and who is willing to cooperate with whom, to form a new government.
While nursing myself through the various foggy stages of cold symptoms this week I've also personally spent a bit of time looking at "vote compasses" online. I actually did five of them (three national, one local and one regional). As they all came out rather alike for me, I decided yesterday that I'm not likely to change my mind, but might as well go and vote early (which we're allowed to do). I've made use of that a few times in later years, to avoid the queues on the final election day; and did so again today. It's still a week of "wait and see" ahead until votes are counted - and even longer until we have a new government sorted. But at least for my own part I won't have to worry about whether it will be raining or not on Sunday...
If anyone would like more details about the election as such, see Wikipedia: 2026 Swedish general election
A wonderfully evocative reflection, where the literal fog of illness blends seamlessly with the political uncertainty ahead, leaving everything suspended in a thoughtful haze.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ro :)
DeleteLove the foggy photo, but don't like that you have a cold and a foggy head. I hope it s soon gone and you are well again. I hate voting, I never know if I am choosing the right people.
ReplyDeleteRiver, the cold is probably running a pretty normal course so far. It's been a while since I had one causing me to cough this much, though (setting off my asthma). As for voting, I'm not finding it easy, but at the same time glad to be living in a democracy...
DeleteI hope you feel better soon. With the onset of autumn, these viruses seem to pop up.
ReplyDeleteThanks Addy, and yes, this time of year with schools starting again etc is a time when viruses do seem to thrive. No longer involved in school or work life myself, I wasn't really thinking of that, though...
DeleteOh gosh, I hope your cold is soon gone. They are miserable, and hard to sleep at night as well.
ReplyDeleteIf I were Swedish I would vote for the Social Democrats led by Magdalena Andersson. It's great that you can cast your votes ahead of the final election day.
ReplyDeleteYP, as you probably know they are still the biggest party here, and she is one of the two candidates for the post as prime minister. We have a tricky parliamentary situation though, with neither of the major parties having a majority of their own but needing the support of other parties as well.
Deleteoh no, sorry to hear you're not feeling well, the change of seasons seem to activate my allergies and it's the perfect time for other people to spread their bugs, hope you're better soon.
ReplyDeleteThe first cold of the season - and it's not even the "proper" season yet! Hopefully it means it's also been the last, and you'll soon be completely rid of it.
ReplyDeleteI remember when you told us about the situation after the elections 4 years ago, and I expect our main news also to report about the goings-on in Sweden after the election on Sunday.
Voting early is a good idea, especially when you are certain that you won't change your mind last minute. I usually vote by letter because on the actual day of the election I am either away for the weekend or volunteering at a different polling station than the one I am assigned to as a voter.
Meike, I do remember that you've been helping out at polling station in connection with elections. :)
DeleteUrgh, we all know that 'foggy' feeling when we're full of cold. Hope you soon feel better.
ReplyDeleteJenny - Getting better, thanks! (Head less foggy, still coughing a bit but not as much.)
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