Moderate Party
A clear guide to Moderate Party (Moderaterna) in Sweden: its history, liberal conservatism ideology, leadership, and where it stands on the economy, social issues, and foreign policy.
Overview
- Country
- Sweden
- Founded
- 1904
- Position
- Centre-right
- Leader
- Ulf Kristersson
- Headquarters
- Stockholm
The Moderate Party (Moderaterna, M) is Sweden's main liberal-conservative party. Its leader Ulf Kristersson became prime minister in 2022 at the head of a coalition with the Christian Democrats and Liberals, supported in parliament by the Sweden Democrats under the Tidö Agreement. After the right-wing bloc narrowly lost the September 2026 election, Kristersson resigned and stayed on as caretaker prime minister.
History
The party was founded in 1904 as the General Electoral League and was known for decades as the Right Party. It adopted its current name in 1969. Carl Bildt led a centre-right government from 1991 to 1994.
Under Fredrik Reinfeldt the party rebranded as "the new Moderates" and governed from 2006 to 2014 as part of the Alliance. Kristersson, leader since 2017, broke with tradition by cooperating with the Sweden Democrats.
Economic Policy
The Moderates favour lower income taxes, especially for working people, a market economy, free choice in schools and care, and stricter conditions for benefits. In government they cut taxes on work and fuel.
Foreign Policy
The Moderates long advocated NATO membership, which Sweden achieved in 2024 under Kristersson. They are pro-European and strongly support Ukraine.
Where They Stand
- Favours lower taxes on work
- Supports harsher sentences and more police powers against gangs
- Seeks lower immigration and stricter integration requirements
- Led Sweden into NATO in 2024
- Defends free choice and private providers in welfare
Electoral Record
The party won 19.1 percent in 2022 and 19.9 percent and 70 seats in 2026.
Position on the Political Compass
Moderate Party 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
Carl Bildt
Prime Minister, 1991 to 1994
Led Sweden's application to join the EU and later served as foreign minister.
Fredrik Reinfeldt
Prime Minister, 2006 to 2014
Rebranded the party and led the Alliance government.
Ulf Kristersson
Prime Minister, 2022 to 2026
Led the Tidö government and took Sweden into NATO.
Sources and Further Reading
- Moderate Party (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websitemoderaterna.se
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion Sweden political test to see how your views compare with Moderate Party and the other parties.
Take the Sweden Test
Social Policy
The party has adopted a much tougher line on crime and migration, including harsher sentences, stop-and-search zones and lower immigration.