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{{short description|Head of government of Sweden}}
{{for|a list|List of prime ministers of Sweden}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox official post {{Infobox official post
|post = Prime Minister | post = Prime Minister
|body = Sweden | body = Sweden
|native_name = ''Sveriges statsminister'' | native_name = {{lang|sv|Sveriges statsminister}}
|insignia =Lilla riksvapnet - Riksarkivet Sverige.png | insignia = Great coat of arms of Sweden (without mantle).svg
|insigniasize = 110px | insigniasize =
|insigniacaption = Lesser ] | insigniacaption = ]
| insigniaalt =
|flag = Flag_of_Sweden.svg
| flag = Flag of Sweden.svg
|flagsize = 110px
| flagsize =
|flagcaption = State flag
| flagalt =
|image = Stefan Löfven efter slutdebatten i SVT 2014 (cropped).jpg
|incumbent = ] | flagcaption = ]
| image = Ulf Kristersson on 29 June 2023.jpg
|incumbentsince = 3 October 2014 <br>(Ousted on 25 September 2018)<ref name="Local180925">. The Local, September 25, 2018</ref>
| imagesize =
|style = ]<br /><small>was used up to the 1970s in Sweden; but is still used in diplomatic writing</small><ref> {{webarchive|url=https://www.webcitation.org/6CDCJ728N?url=http://www.un.int/protocol/documents/Hspmfm.pdf |date=16 November 2012 }}</ref>
| alt =
|member_of = The ]<br/>]
| imagecaption =
|reports_to = The ]
|residence = ] | incumbent = ]
| acting =
|seat = ], ], Sweden
| incumbentsince = 18 October 2022
|nominator = The ]<br /><small>following consultations with the party leaders in the ]</small>
| department = ]
|appointer = The ]
| style = Mister Prime Minister<br>(]: Herr Statsminister)<br>{{small|(informal)}}<br>]<br>{{small|(diplomatic)}}
|appointer_qualified = following a vote in the ]
| type = ]
|termlength = No term limit
| status =
|termlength_qualified = serves as long as the incumbent has majority support in the ]
| abbreviation =
|constituting_instrument = ]
| member_of = {{unbulletedlist|]|]|]}}
|formation = 20 March 1876
| reports_to = ]
|inaugural = ]
| residence = ]<br>]
|deputy = ]
| seat = ], ], ]
|salary = annual: 2,064,000 ]<ref name=salary>{{cite web|title=Statsrådsarvoden och ersättningar ''(Swedish)''|url=http://www.regeringen.se/regeringskansliet/arvoden-och-ersattningar/|publisher=Regeringen.se}}</ref><br /><small>]197,532 / ]230,926 / ]174,868<br />(1 July 2018 – 30 June 2019)</small>
| nominator = ]
|website = http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/2058
| appointer = ]
| appointer_qualified =
| termlength = 4 years<br>(renewable)
| termlength_qualified =
| constituting_instrument = ]
| precursor =
| formation = {{start date and age|df=y|1876|3|20}}
| first = ]
| last =
| abolished =
| superseded_by =
| succession = ]
| unofficial_names =
| deputy = ]
| salary = 2,112,000 ]/US$ 203,076 annually
| website = {{URL|https://www.government.se/government-of-sweden/prime-ministers-office/|Prime Minister's Office}}
| footnotes =
| footnotes_title = Title in ]:<br>Herr statsminister
}} }}
{{Politics of Sweden}} {{Politics of Sweden|government}}
The '''Prime Minister''' ({{lang-sv|]}}, literally "'''Minister of the State'''") is the ] in ]. Before the creation of the office of a Prime Minister in 1876, Sweden did not have a head of government separate from its ], namely the ], in whom the ] was vested. ], the architect behind the new bicameral ] of 1866 that replaced the centuries-old ], became the first officeholder in 1876.


The '''prime minister'''<!--"prime minister" is uncapitalised as per ]. Specifically, it is uncapitalised because it is preceded by the modifier "the" (see ] bullet 3 and table column 2 example 1)--> '''of Sweden''' ({{langx|sv|statsminister}} literally translates as "minister of state") is the ] of the Kingdom of ]. The prime minister and their cabinet (the government) exercise executive authority in the ] and are subject to the ]. The prime minister is nominated by the ] and is elected by the chamber by simple majority, using negative parliamentarianism. The Riksdag ] every four years, in the even year between leap years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Start |url=https://www.riksdagen.se/en/ |access-date=2023-11-10 |website=www.riksdagen.se |language=en}}</ref>
The current Prime Minister of Sweden is ], leader of the ]<ref>. Reuters, 2 October 2014</ref> who currently leads a ] after being ousted following the ].<ref name="Local180925"/>


As with several other similar offices in Europe, the office of Prime Minister came into existence in the nineteenth century as a result of Sweden's democratisation. Prior to the creation of the office, Sweden had no official head of government separate from the king; the country in periods was an absolute monarchy. However, several figures had formerly attained ''de facto'' status as leader of the government. Today, the prime minister holds the most influential political role in Sweden.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Regeringskansliet |first=Regeringen och |date=2014-11-24 |title=Prime Minister's Office |url=https://www.government.se/government-of-sweden/prime-ministers-office/ |access-date=2023-11-10 |website=Regeringskansliet |language=en}}</ref>
==History==
Before 1876, when the office of a single ] was created, Sweden did not have a ''head of government'' separate from the ]. Historically though, the most senior member of the ] (during the absolute rule this was the ]) had certain similarities to the office of a head of government. This was most evident during the so-called ] from 1718 to 1772, when powers of the Monarch were greatly reduced and the President of the Privy Council became the most powerful political figure in Sweden.


Unlike most prime ministers in parliamentary systems, the prime minister is both '']'' and '']'' chief executive. This is because the ] explicitly vests executive power in the ], of which the prime minister is the leader. The prime minister has two official residences; these are the ] and ].<ref>{{Citation |last=Burcher |first=Priscilla |title=Sager House, the official residence of the Prime Minister of Sweden |date=2018-08-27 |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/pris63/52433468673/ |access-date=2023-11-10}}</ref>
At the adoption of the new ], the two offices of '''Prime Minister for Justice''' ({{lang-sv|Justitiestatsminister}}) and '''Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs''' ({{lang-sv|Utrikesstatsminister}}) were created, though their roles were no more than just the heads of their respective ministries. When the office of the Prime Minister was created in 1876, the Prime Ministers for Justice and Foreign Affairs were thus subsequently demoted to ] and ]. Unlike the Minister for Justice, the Minister for Foreign Affairs did however continue to be ] as "]", an honour shared only with the Prime Minister.<ref>, ]. Retrieved on 12 June 2013.{{sv}}</ref><ref>, ]. Retrieved on 12 June 2013.{{sv}}</ref>
From 1917, parliamentarian principles were definitively established in Sweden and the Monarch ceased to exercise their constitutional authority to appoint the Prime Minister and the Councillors of State (cabinet ministers) at their own discretion. From that time onward, the Prime Minister depended on the support of a majority in the Riksdag. Over time, the Prime Minister came to '']'' exercise the ]s. However, the Swedish term used for the Government during this period, still was ''Kungl. Maj:t'', an abbreviation of ''Kunglig Majestät'' ({{lang-en|Royal Majesty}}).


== History ==
Until 1974, the executive authority in Sweden had been exercised through the ]. ]al reform provided a new ] which '']'' established the ] and created a ] with constitutional powers not derived from the Crown.
Historically, the ] served as both head of state and head of government. Examples like Kings ], ], and ] showcase how the Swedish government was structured around the monarchy. However, many of these kings had powerful domestic advisors who sometimes took on the role of ''de facto'' head of government; the most prominent of these examples is ], who played a pivotal role in the formation of the ]. The office of ] was commonly the closest role to a ''de jure'' head of government, and they had similar responsibilities to the modern Prime Minister during the so-called ]; no governmental offices were called Prime Minister at the time.


At the adoption of the new ], the two offices of '''Prime Minister for Justice''' ({{langx|sv|justitiestatsminister}}) and '''Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs''' ({{langx|sv|utrikesstatsminister}}) were created, though their roles were no more than just the heads of their respective ministries. When the office of the prime minister was created in 1876, the prime ministers for justice and foreign affairs were thus subsequently demoted to ] and ]. Unlike the minister for justice, the minister for foreign affairs did, however, continue to be ] as "]", an honour shared only with the prime minister.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://runeberg.org/statskal/1915/0066.html |title=Sveriges statskalender |publisher=] |year=1915 |location=Uppsala |pages=66 |language=sv |via=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://runeberg.org/statskal/1964/0057.html |title=Sveriges statskalender |publisher=] |year=1964 |location=Uppsala |pages=57 |language=sv |via=]}}</ref>
==List of Prime Ministers==
After 1917, it was no longer possible for a monarch to appoint the prime minister and the councillors of state (cabinet ministers) at their own discretion, or keep them in office against the will of the Riksdag.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Lewin|first=Leif|date=1 May 2007|title=Majoritarian and Consensus Democracy: the Swedish Experience|journal=Scandinavian Political Studies|volume=21|issue=3|pages=195–206|doi=10.1111/j.1467-9477.1998.tb00012.x|citeseerx=10.1.1.734.6025}}</ref> From that time onward, while the king still formally appointed the prime minister, in practice he was required to appoint the leader of the majority party in the Riksdag, or the leader of the senior partner in the majority coalition. While the provision in the Instrument of Government stating that "the King alone shall govern the realm" remained unchanged, it was now understood that the king was required to exercise his powers through the ministers and act on their advice. Over time, the ministers came to '']'' exercise the ]s. However, the Swedish term used for the government during this period was still {{Lang|sv|Kungl. Maj:t}}, an abbreviation of {{Lang|sv|Kunglig Majestät}} 'Royal Majesty'.
{{main|List of Prime Ministers of Sweden}}


Until 1974, the executive authority in Sweden had been exercised through the ]. ]al reform provided a new ] which '']'' established the ] and created a ] with constitutional powers not derived from the Crown. At the same time, it stripped the monarchy of even nominal political powers, making the cabinet the country's executive authority in both name and in fact. This codified a number of practices dating from the definitive establishment of parliamentary government in 1917.
===Living former Prime Ministers===
<gallery class="center" caption="Living former Prime Ministers">
File:Ingvar Carlsson på Idrottsgalan 2013.jpg|]<br />born {{birth date and age|1934|11|9|df=y}} <br /> served 1986–1991 and 1994–1996
File:Carl Bildt under nationaldagsfirande vid Skansen 2009.jpg|]<br />born {{birth date and age|1949|7|15|df=y}} <br />served 1991–1994
File:Goran Persson, Sveriges statsminister, under nordiskt statsministermotet i Reykjavik 2005.jpg|]<br />born {{birth date and age|1949|1|20|df=y}}<br /> served 1996–2006
File:Fredrik Reinfeldt 2014-07-16.jpg|]<br />born {{birth date and age|1965|8|4|df=y}}<br /> served 2006–2014
</gallery>Pewdipie 1988-2030


==Duties== ==Duties==
{{See also|Politics of Sweden}} {{See also|Politics of Sweden}}
Whenever a Prime Minister resigns, dies, or is forced from office by the Riksdag, the ] asks the Prime Minister (or their deputy) to keep the government as a ] until a successor has been elected. The Speaker then holds consultations with the party leaders and appoints a Prime Minister-designate, who is submitted for approval to the ]. If the Prime Minister-designate is approved, the Prime Minister chooses which and how many ministers are to be included in the government.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.riksdagen.se/en/how-the-riksdag-works/democracy/forming-a-government/ |title=Forming a government |accessdate=2018-03-24 |date=2016-12-06 |publisher=] }}</ref>


The ] requires that the prime minister appoint a member of the cabinet as ], to perform the duties of the prime minister if the prime minister cannot. However, if a deputy prime minister is absent or has not been appointed, the senior minister in the cabinet becomes acting head of government. If more than one minister has equal tenure, the eldest assumes the position (see '']'' for the present governmental line of succession).
With the exception of the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers ({{lang-sv|statsråd}}) do not need the approval of the Riksdag, but they can be forced to resign by a vote of no confidence. If the Prime Minister is forced by a vote of no confidence to resign, the entire cabinet falls, and the process of electing a new Prime minister starts. The Prime Minister can dissolve the Riksdag, even after receiving a vote of no confidence, except during the first three months after an election.


Constitutionally, the prime minister's position is stronger than that of his or her counterparts in ] and ]. Since 1975, the prime minister has been both '']'' and '']'' chief executive, with powers and duties specifically enumerated in the Instrument of Government. In the two neighboring Scandinavian monarchies, the monarch is the nominal chief executive, but is bound by convention to act on the advice of the ministers. However, the so-called ''Torekov Compromise'' reached in 1971 by the major political parties, codified with the Instrument of Government that went into effect in 1975, stripped the ] of even a nominal role in governmental affairs, thus codifying actual practices that had been in place since the definitive establishment of parliamentary government in 1917.
The ] requires that the Prime Minister appoint a member of the cabinet as ], to perform the duties of the Prime Minister if the Prime Minister cannot. However, if a Deputy Prime Minister is absent or has not been appointed, the senior minister in the cabinet becomes acting head of government. If more than one minister has equal tenure, the eldest assumes the position (see '']'' for the present governmental line of succession).


== Process ==
Officially, the Prime Minister's position is stronger than that of their counterparts in ] and ]. Since 1975, the Prime Minister has been both '']'' and '']'' chief executive, with powers and duties specifically enumerated in the Instrument of Government. In the two neighboring Scandinavian monarchies, the monarch is the nominal chief executive, but is bound by convention to act on the advice of the ministers. However, the so-called ''Torekov Compromise'' reached in 1971 by the major political parties, codified with the Instrument of Government that went into effect in 1975, stripped the ] of even a nominal role in governmental affairs, thus codifying actual practices that had been in place since the definitive establishment of parliamentary government in 1917.

=== Appointment ===
To appoint a new prime minister, the ] holds consultations with party leaders to propose a candidate to be submitted for approval to the ].<ref>{{cite web|date=2016-12-06|title=Forming a government|url=http://www.riksdagen.se/en/how-the-riksdag-works/democracy/forming-a-government/|access-date=2018-03-24|publisher=]}}</ref>

The speaker's proposed candidate is then elected through negative parliamentarism. In practice, this means that the prime minister nominee is confirmed if fewer than 175 MPs vote 'no', regardless of the number of 'yes' votes or abstentions.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2014-11-05 |title=Så bildas regeringen |url=https://www.regeringen.se/sa-styrs-sverige/sa-arbetar-regeringen-och-regeringskansliet/sa-bildas-regeringen/ |access-date=2019-11-18 |website=] |language=sv}}</ref> This is described as being "tolerated" by a majority of the Riksdag.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Constitution of Sweden - The Fundamental Laws and the Riksdag Act |url=https://www.riksdagen.se/globalassets/07.-dokument--lagar/the-constitution-of-sweden-160628.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=25 November 2021 |website=] |archive-date=25 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125202022/https://www.riksdagen.se/globalassets/07.-dokument--lagar/the-constitution-of-sweden-160628.pdf }}</ref>

After approval by the Riksdag, the new ] must inform the Riksdag which ministers are chosen to make up the new government.

The formal change of government, and thus the start of the term for the new prime minister takes place at a Council of State at the ]. This is a government meeting chaired by the ], currently ]. During this meeting, the speaker gives an account of the nomination and election process. The King then announces that a change of government has taken place, finalising the appointment of the new prime minister and their government.<ref name="Forming">{{Cite web|last=Riksdagsförvaltningen|title=Forming a government|url=https://www.riksdagen.se/en/how-the-riksdag-works/democracy/forming-a-government/|access-date=2021-11-25|website=www.riksdagen.se|language=en}}</ref> The handover of the prime minister's ] has usually taken place in the Riksdag. In 2022 with the appointment of Ulf Kristersson, however, speaker ] handed it over during the meeting of the Council of State.<ref>url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/kolumnister/a/q16B80/ulf-kristersson-gick-langpromenad-framfor-kungen</ref>

=== Resignation ===
Whenever a prime minister resigns, dies, or is forced from office by the ], the ] asks the prime minister (or their deputy) to keep the government as a ] until the new government takes office.<ref name="Forming"/>

With the exception of the prime minister, cabinet ministers ({{langx|sv|statsråd}} {{IPA|sv|ˈstatsroːd||SV - Statsråd.ogg}}) do not need the approval of the Riksdag, but they can be forced to resign by a vote of no confidence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Riksdagsförvaltningen |title=Examines the work of the Government |url=https://www.riksdagen.se/en/how-the-riksdag-works/what-does-the-riksdag-do/examines-the-work-of-the-government/#24d4d8435790ecc4b61bebf704bb6848 |access-date=2021-11-27 |website=www.riksdagen.se |language=en}}</ref> If the prime minister is forced by a vote of no confidence to resign, the entire cabinet falls, and the process of electing a new prime minister starts. The prime minister can dissolve the Riksdag, even after receiving a vote of no confidence, except during the first three months after an election.<ref name="Forming"/>


==Amenities== ==Amenities==


===Office and residences=== ===Office and residences===
The government offices, including the Prime Minister's office, is located at ] in central ], straight across the water from the ] on ]. The government offices, including the prime minister's office, are located at ] in central ], straight across the water from the ] on ].


In 1991 ] (or the "Sager Palace" as it was previously called) was acquired, and since 1995 it has served as the private residence of the Prime Minister. In 1991 ] (or the "Sager Palace" as it was previously called) was acquired, and since 1995 it has served as the private residence of the prime minister.


], a ] in ], ], has served as a country residence for the Prime Minister since 1953. The manor is also frequently used for governmental conferences and informal summits between the government, industry and organisations in Sweden. ], a ] in ], ], has served as a country residence for the prime minister since 1953. The manor is also frequently used for governmental conferences and informal summits between the government, industry and organisations in Sweden.


===Salary=== ===Salary===
The salaries of the cabinet ministers, including the Prime Minister, is decided by and is the subject of annual review by the ''Statsrådsarvodesnämnden'' ("Cabinet Ministers' Salary Committee") of the ]. Since 1 July 2018 the Prime Minister's monthly salary is 172,000 ] (]16,461 / ]19,244 / ]14,572) or 2,064,000 SEK (€197,532 / $230,926 / £174,868) per year.<ref name=salary /> The salaries of the cabinet ministers, including the prime minister, is decided by and is the subject of annual review by the {{Lang|sv|Statsrådsarvodesnämnden}} 'Cabinet Ministers' Salary Committee' of the ]. Since 1 January 2022 the prime minister's monthly salary is 184,000 ].<ref name=salary>{{cite web|title=Statsrådsarvoden och ersättningar|url=https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/sa-funkar-riksdagen/riksdagens-myndigheter-och-namnder/statsradsarvodesnamnden/|publisher=]|language=sv|date=2019-07-01}}</ref>


==Office and residences==
==Gallery==
<gallery class="center"> <gallery class="center">
File:Rosenbad 2006.jpg|The ] building has functioned as the '''Prime Minister's Office''' (Statsrådsberedningen) since 1981. File:Rosenbad (24489269219).jpg|The ] building has functioned as the '''Prime Minister's Office''' ({{Lang|sv|Statsrådsberedningen}}) since 1981.
File:Sagerska palatset Stockholm Sweden.jpg|The ] is the Prime Minister's official residence. File:Sagerska palatset 2011.JPG|The ] is the Prime Minister's official residence since 1995.
File:Harpsund2.JPG|] has been used as the Prime Minister's country residence since 1953. File:Harpsund - KMB - 16001000018754.jpg|] has been used as the Prime Minister's country residence since 1953.
File:Kanslihuset 2010.jpg|Kanslihuset was where the '''Prime Minister's Office''' was located prior to 1981. Nowadays it houses offices of the Riksdag. File:Kanslihuset västerut.jpg|Kanslihuset was where the '''Prime Minister's Office''' was located prior to 1981. Nowadays it houses offices of the Riksdag.
</Gallery> </gallery>


==See also== ==See also==
*]
*] *]
*]
*]
*] *]
*] *]
*] *]
*]
*]


==References== ==References==
{{reflist|30em}} {{reflist|30em}}


;Bibliography ==Bibliography==
* {{Cite book * {{Cite book
| title = The Instrument of Government | title = The Instrument of Government
Line 112: Line 133:
|date = 2012 |date = 2012
|ref = RA |ref = RA
|deadurl = yes |url-status = dead
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20130201001248/http://www.riksdagen.se/Global/dokument/dokument/laws/the-riksdag-act-2012.pdf |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130201001248/http://www.riksdagen.se/Global/dokument/dokument/laws/the-riksdag-act-2012.pdf
|archivedate = 1 February 2013 |archive-date = 1 February 2013}}
|df = dmy-all
}}
*{{Cite book | last1 = Larsson | first1 = Torbjörn | first2 = Henry | last2 = Bäck | title = Governing and Governance in Sweden | location = Lund | publisher = ] AB | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-91-44-03682-3 | ref = Larsson & Bäck }} *{{Cite book | last1 = Larsson | first1 = Torbjörn | first2 = Henry | last2 = Bäck | title = Governing and Governance in Sweden | location = Lund | publisher = ] AB | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-91-44-03682-3 | ref = Larsson & Bäck }}
*{{Cite book | last = Petersson | first = Olof | title = Den offentliga makten | location = Stockholm | publisher = SNS Förlag | year = 2010 | language = Swedish | isbn = 978-91-86203-66-5 | ref = Petersson }} *{{Cite book | last = Petersson | first = Olof | title = Den offentliga makten | location = Stockholm | publisher = SNS Förlag | year = 2010 | language = sv | isbn = 978-91-86203-66-5 | ref = Petersson }}


==External links== ==External links==
Line 128: Line 147:
{{European Council}} {{European Council}}
{{Prime Minister}} {{Prime Minister}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2011}}


] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 16:18, 28 December 2024

Head of government of Sweden For a list, see List of prime ministers of Sweden.

Prime Minister of Sweden
Sveriges statsminister
Coat of arms of Sweden
Flag of Sweden
Incumbent
Ulf Kristersson
since 18 October 2022
Executive branch of the Swedish Government
StyleMister Prime Minister
(Swedish: Herr Statsminister)
(informal)
His Excellency
(diplomatic)
TypeHead of government
Member of
Reports toRiksdag
ResidenceSager House
Harpsund
SeatRosenbad, Stockholm, Sweden
NominatorRiksdag
AppointerSpeaker
Term length4 years
(renewable)
Constituting instrument1974 Instrument of Government
Formation20 March 1876; 148 years ago (1876-03-20)
First holderLouis Gerhard De Geer
SuccessionLine of succession
DeputyDeputy Prime Minister
Salary2,112,000 kr/US$ 203,076 annually
WebsitePrime Minister's Office
Title in Swedish:
Herr statsminister
Politics of Sweden
Basic Laws
Monarchy
Executive
Legislature
Judiciary
Elections
Administrative divisions
Foreign relations
Related topics

The prime minister of Sweden (Swedish: statsminister literally translates as "minister of state") is the head of government of the Kingdom of Sweden. The prime minister and their cabinet (the government) exercise executive authority in the Kingdom of Sweden and are subject to the Parliament of Sweden. The prime minister is nominated by the speaker of the Riksdag and is elected by the chamber by simple majority, using negative parliamentarianism. The Riksdag holds elections every four years, in the even year between leap years.

As with several other similar offices in Europe, the office of Prime Minister came into existence in the nineteenth century as a result of Sweden's democratisation. Prior to the creation of the office, Sweden had no official head of government separate from the king; the country in periods was an absolute monarchy. However, several figures had formerly attained de facto status as leader of the government. Today, the prime minister holds the most influential political role in Sweden.

Unlike most prime ministers in parliamentary systems, the prime minister is both de jure and de facto chief executive. This is because the Instrument of Government explicitly vests executive power in the government, of which the prime minister is the leader. The prime minister has two official residences; these are the Sager House and Harpsund.

History

Historically, the monarchy of Sweden served as both head of state and head of government. Examples like Kings Gustav I, Charles XI, and Gustav III showcase how the Swedish government was structured around the monarchy. However, many of these kings had powerful domestic advisors who sometimes took on the role of de facto head of government; the most prominent of these examples is Axel Oxenstierna, who played a pivotal role in the formation of the Swedish Empire. The office of Lord High Chancellor was commonly the closest role to a de jure head of government, and they had similar responsibilities to the modern Prime Minister during the so-called Age of Liberty; no governmental offices were called Prime Minister at the time.

At the adoption of the new Instrument of Government of 1809, the two offices of Prime Minister for Justice (Swedish: justitiestatsminister) and Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs (Swedish: utrikesstatsminister) were created, though their roles were no more than just the heads of their respective ministries. When the office of the prime minister was created in 1876, the prime ministers for justice and foreign affairs were thus subsequently demoted to Minister for Justice and Minister for Foreign Affairs. Unlike the minister for justice, the minister for foreign affairs did, however, continue to be styled as "Excellency", an honour shared only with the prime minister. After 1917, it was no longer possible for a monarch to appoint the prime minister and the councillors of state (cabinet ministers) at their own discretion, or keep them in office against the will of the Riksdag. From that time onward, while the king still formally appointed the prime minister, in practice he was required to appoint the leader of the majority party in the Riksdag, or the leader of the senior partner in the majority coalition. While the provision in the Instrument of Government stating that "the King alone shall govern the realm" remained unchanged, it was now understood that the king was required to exercise his powers through the ministers and act on their advice. Over time, the ministers came to de facto exercise the royal prerogatives. However, the Swedish term used for the government during this period was still Kungl. Maj:t, an abbreviation of Kunglig Majestät 'Royal Majesty'.

Until 1974, the executive authority in Sweden had been exercised through the King in Council. Constitutional reform provided a new Instrument of Government which de jure established the parliamentary system and created a cabinet government with constitutional powers not derived from the Crown. At the same time, it stripped the monarchy of even nominal political powers, making the cabinet the country's executive authority in both name and in fact. This codified a number of practices dating from the definitive establishment of parliamentary government in 1917.

Duties

See also: Politics of Sweden

The Instrument of Government requires that the prime minister appoint a member of the cabinet as Deputy Prime Minister, to perform the duties of the prime minister if the prime minister cannot. However, if a deputy prime minister is absent or has not been appointed, the senior minister in the cabinet becomes acting head of government. If more than one minister has equal tenure, the eldest assumes the position (see Swedish governmental line of succession for the present governmental line of succession).

Constitutionally, the prime minister's position is stronger than that of his or her counterparts in Denmark and Norway. Since 1975, the prime minister has been both de jure and de facto chief executive, with powers and duties specifically enumerated in the Instrument of Government. In the two neighboring Scandinavian monarchies, the monarch is the nominal chief executive, but is bound by convention to act on the advice of the ministers. However, the so-called Torekov Compromise reached in 1971 by the major political parties, codified with the Instrument of Government that went into effect in 1975, stripped the Swedish monarch of even a nominal role in governmental affairs, thus codifying actual practices that had been in place since the definitive establishment of parliamentary government in 1917.

Process

Appointment

To appoint a new prime minister, the speaker of the Riksdag holds consultations with party leaders to propose a candidate to be submitted for approval to the Riksdag.

The speaker's proposed candidate is then elected through negative parliamentarism. In practice, this means that the prime minister nominee is confirmed if fewer than 175 MPs vote 'no', regardless of the number of 'yes' votes or abstentions. This is described as being "tolerated" by a majority of the Riksdag.

After approval by the Riksdag, the new prime minister-designate must inform the Riksdag which ministers are chosen to make up the new government.

The formal change of government, and thus the start of the term for the new prime minister takes place at a Council of State at the Royal Palace. This is a government meeting chaired by the king, currently Carl XVI Gustaf. During this meeting, the speaker gives an account of the nomination and election process. The King then announces that a change of government has taken place, finalising the appointment of the new prime minister and their government. The handover of the prime minister's commission has usually taken place in the Riksdag. In 2022 with the appointment of Ulf Kristersson, however, speaker Andreas Norlén handed it over during the meeting of the Council of State.

Resignation

Whenever a prime minister resigns, dies, or is forced from office by the Riksdag, the speaker of the Riksdag asks the prime minister (or their deputy) to keep the government as a caretaker government until the new government takes office.

With the exception of the prime minister, cabinet ministers (Swedish: statsråd [ˈstatsroːd] ) do not need the approval of the Riksdag, but they can be forced to resign by a vote of no confidence. If the prime minister is forced by a vote of no confidence to resign, the entire cabinet falls, and the process of electing a new prime minister starts. The prime minister can dissolve the Riksdag, even after receiving a vote of no confidence, except during the first three months after an election.

Amenities

Office and residences

The government offices, including the prime minister's office, are located at Rosenbad in central Stockholm, straight across the water from the Riksdag building on Helgeandsholmen.

In 1991 Sager House (or the "Sager Palace" as it was previously called) was acquired, and since 1995 it has served as the private residence of the prime minister.

Harpsund, a manor house in Flen Municipality, Södermanland County, has served as a country residence for the prime minister since 1953. The manor is also frequently used for governmental conferences and informal summits between the government, industry and organisations in Sweden.

Salary

The salaries of the cabinet ministers, including the prime minister, is decided by and is the subject of annual review by the Statsrådsarvodesnämnden 'Cabinet Ministers' Salary Committee' of the Riksdag. Since 1 January 2022 the prime minister's monthly salary is 184,000 SEK.

Office and residences

  • The Rosenbad building has functioned as the Prime Minister's Office (Statsrådsberedningen) since 1981. The Rosenbad building has functioned as the Prime Minister's Office (Statsrådsberedningen) since 1981.
  • The Sager House is the Prime Minister's official residence since 1995. The Sager House is the Prime Minister's official residence since 1995.
  • Harpsund Manor has been used as the Prime Minister's country residence since 1953. Harpsund Manor has been used as the Prime Minister's country residence since 1953.
  • Kanslihuset was where the Prime Minister's Office was located prior to 1981. Nowadays it houses offices of the Riksdag. Kanslihuset was where the Prime Minister's Office was located prior to 1981. Nowadays it houses offices of the Riksdag.

See also

References

  1. "Start". www.riksdagen.se. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  2. Regeringskansliet, Regeringen och (24 November 2014). "Prime Minister's Office". Regeringskansliet. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  3. Burcher, Priscilla (27 August 2018), Sager House, the official residence of the Prime Minister of Sweden, retrieved 10 November 2023
  4. Sveriges statskalender (in Swedish). Uppsala: Almqvist & Wiksell. 1915. p. 66 – via Project Runeberg.
  5. Sveriges statskalender (in Swedish). Uppsala: Almqvist & Wiksell. 1964. p. 57 – via Project Runeberg.
  6. Lewin, Leif (1 May 2007). "Majoritarian and Consensus Democracy: the Swedish Experience". Scandinavian Political Studies. 21 (3): 195–206. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.734.6025. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9477.1998.tb00012.x.
  7. "Forming a government". Sveriges Riksdag. 6 December 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  8. "Så bildas regeringen". Regeringskansliet (in Swedish). 5 November 2014. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  9. "The Constitution of Sweden - The Fundamental Laws and the Riksdag Act" (PDF). Sveriges Riksdag. Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  10. ^ Riksdagsförvaltningen. "Forming a government". www.riksdagen.se. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  11. url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/kolumnister/a/q16B80/ulf-kristersson-gick-langpromenad-framfor-kungen
  12. Riksdagsförvaltningen. "Examines the work of the Government". www.riksdagen.se. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
  13. "Statsrådsarvoden och ersättningar" (in Swedish). Government of Sweden. 1 July 2019.

Bibliography

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