Centre Party
A clear guide to Centre Party (Centerpartiet) in Sweden: its history, liberalism ideology, leadership, and where it stands on the economy, social issues, and foreign policy.
Overview
- Country
- Sweden
- Founded
- 1913
- Position
- Centre to centre-right
- Leader
- Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist
- Headquarters
- Stockholm
The Centre Party (Centerpartiet, C) is a liberal party with roots in Swedish farming. It combines economic liberalism with environmental policy, decentralisation and support for rural areas. It refuses to cooperate with the Sweden Democrats and in 2026 campaigned with the opposition behind Magdalena Andersson. It is led by Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist.
History
The party was founded in 1913 as the Farmers' League and long represented rural Sweden. Its leader Thorbjörn Fälldin was prime minister from 1976 to 1978 and 1979 to 1982.
It was part of the centre-right Alliance government from 2006 to 2014. After 2018 it broke with the Alliance over the question of the Sweden Democrats, and from 2019 to 2021 it supported Stefan Löfven's government. The party has had several leaders in quick succession in recent years.
Economic Policy
The Centre Party is economically liberal, favouring lower taxes on work and business, labour market reform and less regulation, along with support for entrepreneurs and rural services.
Foreign Policy
The Centre Party is strongly pro-European and supported NATO membership.
Where They Stand
- Refuses to cooperate with the Sweden Democrats
- Favours lower taxes on work and business
- Supports rural areas and decentralised decision-making
- Combines climate policy with market solutions
- Is strongly pro-European
Electoral Record
The party won 6.7 percent in 2022 and 7.0 percent and 25 seats in 2026.
Position on the Political Compass
Centre Party sits on the right-leaning side on economics and is moderate on questions of social freedom and authority.
These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.
Key Figures
Thorbjörn Fälldin
Prime Minister, 1976 to 1978 and 1979 to 1982
Led the first non-socialist government in decades.
Annie Lööf
Party leader, 2011 to 2023
Steered the party away from the Alliance over the question of the Sweden Democrats.
Sources and Further Reading
- Centre Party (Sweden) (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websitecenterpartiet.se
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion Sweden political test to see how your views compare with Centre Party and the other parties.
Take the Sweden Test
Social Policy
It is socially liberal and favours a relatively open immigration policy compared with the right-wing parties, alongside strong integration requirements.