Politics of Sweden

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, appointed by the government and serving until retirement, while the monarch holds only 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. Parliamentarism has been practiced de facto since 1917 and de jure since 1975. Since the Great Depression, national politics has been dominated by the Social Democratic Workers' Party, which has held a plurality or majority in parliament since 1917. General elections are held every four years. The Economist Intelligence Unit rated Sweden a "full democracy" in 2020, and the V-Dem Democracy indices ranked it the third most electoral democratic country globally in 2023. The constitution comprises four fundamental laws, with the 1974 Instrument of Government defining rights and freedoms. Unlike many Western states, there is no supreme court to overturn legislation; instead, executive power is entrusted to politicians. The Prime Minister is nominated by the speaker and elected through negative parliamentarism, meaning the nominee is confirmed if fewer than 175 members vote no. The government can only be removed by a motion of no confidence requiring at least 175 votes. The budget proposed by the government is adopted unless a majority votes against it, enabling minority governance. The Riksdag has 349 members elected by proportional representation for four-year terms, and legislation may be initiated by either the cabinet or members.