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Persson voted out

STOCKHOLM: Sweden's Prime Minister Goran Persson handed his resignation on Monday following the defeat of his Social Democrats in weekend elections, ending a 12-year era that showed the world that Sweden's fabled social model could be an engine of dazzling economic growth. The victorious centre-right alliance is promising only to tinker with the welfare state — but some believe their baby-steps toward lower taxes and more flexible labour rules could herald a deeper shift towards market liberalisation. Swedes on Sunday dealt the Social Democratic Party its worst election result since 1914, opting for a four-party Opposition bloc campaigning on a common platform for the first time. — AP

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