Left Party
A clear guide to Left Party (Vänsterpartiet) in Sweden: its history, socialism ideology, leadership, and where it stands on the economy, social issues, and foreign policy.
Overview
- Country
- Sweden
- Founded
- 1917
- Position
- Left-wing
- Leader
- Nooshi Dadgostar
- Headquarters
- Stockholm
The Left Party (Vänsterpartiet, V) is a socialist and feminist party. It opposes privatisation of welfare services and wants higher public spending funded by taxes on high incomes and wealth. It is led by Nooshi Dadgostar and is part of the opposition bloc that won a narrow majority in the 2026 election.
History
The party traces its origins to a 1917 split from the Social Democrats, becoming the Communist Party of Sweden in 1921. It adopted the name Left Party in 1990 after abandoning communism.
It has never held cabinet posts but has supported Social Democratic governments. In 2021 it joined a successful no-confidence vote against Stefan Löfven's government over plans for market rents in new housing. In 2025 two of its MPs were expelled and later formed a new party.
Economic Policy
The Left Party opposes profits in tax-funded schools and care, market rents and cuts to public services. It supports higher taxes on wealth and high incomes, stronger unemployment insurance and public housing.
Foreign Policy
The Left Party is Eurosceptic, opposes the euro and, together with the Greens, voted against NATO membership in 2023. It is also republican and wants to abolish the monarchy.
Where They Stand
- Wants to ban profits in tax-funded schools and care
- Opposes market rents
- Supports higher taxes on wealth and high incomes
- Voted against NATO membership and opposes the euro
- Wants Sweden to become a republic
Electoral Record
The party won 6.8 percent in 2022 and 8.4 percent and 30 seats in 2026, gaining particularly in Malmö.
Position on the Political Compass
Left Party sits on the left-leaning side on economics and is more libertarian 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
Lars Ohly
Party leader, 2004 to 2012
Led the party through the 2006 and 2010 elections.
Nooshi Dadgostar
Party leader since 2020
Led the party to its strong 2026 result.
Sources and Further Reading
- Left Party (Sweden) (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websitevansterpartiet.se
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion Sweden political test to see how your views compare with Left Party and the other parties.
Take the Sweden Test
Social Policy
The party is strongly feminist and supports LGBT rights and an open refugee policy.