The Swedish Social Democrats

The 1800s are coming to an end. In Sweden, people move to the cities, to work in factories. Life is tough here, with dangerous jobs and low wages. In order to have a say in their situation, the workers join forces and form labour unions. But they are not content with improving working conditions, they want to influence politics too.

In 1889, the Swedish Social Democratic Workers Party is formed. At this time, most Swedes are not allowed to vote – only the rich can vote, and exclusively men have full right to vote. That’s why the introduction of the equal right to vote is the most important issue for the Social Democrats at this time. By 1917, with World War I raging in Europe, people are starving in Sweden. More and more are talking about starting a revolution, like the communists in Russia.

Among the social democrats, there is disagreement. Those who agree with the communists, choose to break away and form a new party – a party that will later change its name to the Left Party. The Social Democrats don’t want a violent revolution, but want to reach their goals by democratic means. In the 1918 election the Social Democrats and the Liberals jointly get enough votes to pass a law, introducing equal suffrage. In 1921, for the first time, women have the same right to vote as men.

This is a huge victory for the Social Democrats, and for the party chairman, Hjalmar Branting. Branting is a member of parliament until his death in 1925, when he is replaced by Per Albin Hansson. Hansson introduces a new word into the Swedish vocabulary: “Folkhemmet” – the people’s home. “The good home does not know of the privileged, nor of those left behind, it does not have favourites nor stepchildren. There, one does not look down upon the other. There, no one is trying to make gains at the expense of others, the strong are not oppressing or plundering the weak.

In the good society there is equality, consideration, cooperation, helpfulness.” That pretty much sums up what is driving the Social Democrats: the desire to make Sweden more equal and fair. The Social Democrats lead the government in Sweden during a large part of the 20th century. During the period from World War II to the end of the 20th century, the Social Democrats dominate Swedish politics. As a ruling party, they take many initiatives to change things in society during this period – they introduce reforms. Pensions are increased and several welfare benefits are introduced: sick leave, parental leave, and child support.

These reforms are made available for all, not just for the poorest: they strive for general welfare. Suddenly, the Liberals think that things have gone too far. Sure, general suffrage was important. But general welfare, that’s giving the government too much influence. So nowadays, the Liberals are more prone to cooperate with the right party, the Moderates.

During the late 20th century, Sweden is changing. Fewer people work in industry - instead, more work in service. And with fewer workers, there are fewer to vote for the Social Democratic workers’ party. Today, the Social Democrats is still a large – but not as dominant - party in Swedish politics. The party still has strong ties to the labour unions.

In elections, they typically campaign on solidarity, financial security, and fairness. Compared to the parties further to the right, the Social Democrats are more prone to support a large public sector and higher taxes. But compared to parties further to the left, the Social Democrats are more supportive of market economy and free enterprise. The Social Democrats have formed governments with support from many different parties throughout the years, both with those on the right and on the left. For the past eight years, they have led the Swedish government.

In the autumn of 2021, the Social democrats elected a new leader, Magdalena Andersson. In November 2021 she was elected prime minister. She is the first woman ever to hold that position in Sweden.