Politics of Sweden
Sweden is a parliamentary democracy with a symbolic monarchy.
The politics of Sweden operate within a parliamentary representative democratic constitutional monarchy. Executive power is exercised by the government led by the Prime Minister, while legislative power is shared between the government and the unicameral Riksdag. The judiciary is independent, and the monarch holds symbolic power. Sweden's democratic development evolved from Viking-age Ting electing kings to a hereditary monarchy in the 16th century, with modern democratic institutions established through the 19th century up to women's suffrage in 1921.
- Government type
- Parliamentary representative democratic constitutional monarchy
- Head of state
- Monarch (symbolic)
- Head of government
- Prime Minister
- Last general election
- 11 September 2022
- Democracy rating (2020)
- Full democracy (Economist Intelligence Unit)
Lore & Background
Sweden's judiciary includes the Supreme Court (Högsta domstolen), which has no power to overturn laws, and the Supreme Administrative Court. The Parliamentary Ombudsman and Chancellor of Justice oversee government agencies. Ministerial governance is illegal; no member of the Riksdag or government may interfere in agency operations. Notable political figures include Joe Hill, Carl Skoglund, Raoul Wallenberg, Folke Bernadotte, Dag Hammarskjöld, Olof Palme, Carl Bildt, and Hans Blix.
Reader's Guide
The Social Democratic Party's long dominance has shaped the post-war welfare state, with government expenditure slightly over 50% of GDP. The constitution differs from many Western countries by having a unicameral parliament, limited municipal autonomy, and no supreme court with power to overturn acts of the legislature. Instead, executive power is entrusted to politicians. The system's reliance on negative parliamentarism allows minority governments to function. Sweden's high voter turnout and strong popular movements, such as trade unions and the women's movement, reflect deep civic engagement.
Did You Know?
- The Supreme Court has no power to overturn any laws, even those conflicting with the constitution.
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