Politics & Government Guide · SwedenPolitics & Government Guide in Sweden
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions
Sweden is a stable parliamentary constitutional monarchy led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's centre-right coalition since 2022, supported externally by the Sweden Democrats. The country transitioned from long-standing neutrality to NATO membership in March 2024 amid heightened European security concerns. The unicameral Riksdag ensures robust democratic governance with high rankings in global indices for democracy, press freedom, and low corruption.
Political Stability
Good
Corruption Index
Good
Democracy Index
Good
Government Type
Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Legal System
Civil law system influenced by customary law
Head of State
King Carl XVI Gustaf(since 1973)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson(Moderate Party)since 2022
Political Indicators
Political Stability
Scale: 0-1
Stable
World Bank (2024)
Corruption Index
Scale: 0-100
Transparency International (2024)
Press Freedom
Scale: 0-100
Reporters Without Borders (2024)
Democracy Index
Scale: 0-10
Full Democracy
Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Centre-left
Centre-right
Right-wing populist
Centrist
Voting Rights
Swedish citizens vote in national elections. EU citizens can vote in local and European Parliament elections. Non-EU residents with permanent residence permit can vote in municipal elections after three years of residence.
Recent Developments
- Sweden joined NATO on 2024-03-07, ending centuries of neutrality
- Right-wing Tidö Agreement government formed in October 2022 with support from Sweden Democrats
- Government policy statement delivered by PM Kristersson on 2024-09-10 focusing on security and economy
- Strengthened defense spending and NATO integration post-Russia-Ukraine war
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