Sweden cuts GDP growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026

STOCKHOLM, May 9 (Reuters) - The Swedish government lowered its GDP growth forecast for 2025 and 2026 on Friday to 1.8% and 2.3%, respectively.

Its forecast from April was for growth of 2.1% this year and 2.8% in 2026. Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson had flagged that this would be revised lower.

Svantesson told a press conference on Friday there is a risk the updated forecasts will need to be lowered further.

"It is a fairly dark picture that we see," she said.

Sweden has strong government finances and is able to do more for the economy if needed, she also said.