Sweden's former Prime Minister Stefan Lofven may return to the post – from which he resigned only last month.

His original center-left minority government collapsed over a dispute about easing rent control, resulting in a vote of no-confidence. The assembly's speaker has since asked him to return because of a lack of other options.

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Andreas Norlen, the parliament speaker, originally asked Ulf Kristersson, a right-wing leader, to become the country's prime minister. But he was unable to win enough support and Norlen then turned back to Lofven. 

However, the outcome of Wednesday's vote is far from certain because of a fragmented parliament with no absolute majority.  

"Even if the situation is difficult, Sweden still needs a strong and forceful government," Lofven said at a press conference.

"The Swedish people don't want a snap election. They want stability and security as far as that is possible during the pandemic."

Lofven, a Social Democrat, plans to form a cabinet of his party and the Greens, similar to his minority government before the vote of no-confidence on June 21.

But even if Lofven wins the vote on Wednesday, he is unlikely to have enough support in parliament to pass budget bills. If no party leader can show they can command a majority in parliament, there will be a general election.