Christian Democrats
A clear guide to Christian Democrats (Kristdemokraterna) in Sweden: its history, christian democracy ideology, leadership, and where it stands on the economy, social issues, and foreign policy.
Overview
- Country
- Sweden
- Founded
- 1964
- Position
- Right-wing
- Leader
- Ebba Busch
- Headquarters
- Stockholm
The Christian Democrats (Kristdemokraterna, KD) are a Christian democratic and socially conservative party led by Ebba Busch, who served as deputy prime minister and energy minister in Ulf Kristersson's government from 2022 to 2026. The party stresses family policy, elderly care, healthcare and law and order.
History
The party was founded in 1964 and first entered the Riksdag in 1985 through cooperation with the Centre Party, winning seats on its own in 1991. It was part of the Bildt government from 1991 to 1994 and the Alliance government from 2006 to 2014. Busch, leader since 2015, moved the party to the right and was an early advocate of cooperation with the Sweden Democrats.
Economic Policy
KD favours lower taxes, especially for pensioners and families, and wants healthcare run by the state rather than the regions. In government it championed new nuclear power.
Foreign Policy
The Christian Democrats are pro-European and pro-NATO, and support Ukraine.
Where They Stand
- Wants the state to take over responsibility for healthcare
- Champions new nuclear power
- Supports lower taxes for pensioners and families
- Favours tougher sentencing and stricter migration policy
- Emphasises family policy and elderly care
Electoral Record
The party won 5.3 percent in 2022 and 6.2 percent and 22 seats in 2026.
Position on the Political Compass
Christian Democrats sits on the right-leaning side on economics and is more authoritarian 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
Alf Svensson
Party leader, 1973 to 2004
Led the party into the Riksdag and into government.
Ebba Busch
Party leader since 2015
Deputy prime minister and energy minister from 2022 to 2026.
Sources and Further Reading
- Christian Democrats (Sweden) (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websitekristdemokraterna.se
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion Sweden political test to see how your views compare with Christian Democrats and the other parties.
Take the Sweden Test
Social Policy
The party is socially conservative and emphasises the family. It supports tougher sentencing and stricter migration policy.