Swedish Social Democratic Party
A clear guide to Swedish Social Democratic Party (Socialdemokraterna) in Sweden: its history, social democracy ideology, leadership, and where it stands on the economy, social issues, and foreign policy.
Overview
- Country
- Sweden
- Founded
- 1889
- Position
- Centre-left
- Leader
- Magdalena Andersson
- Headquarters
- Stockholm
The Swedish Social Democratic Party (Socialdemokraterna, S) is Sweden's oldest and largest party, and has been the largest party in every election since 1914. It built much of the Swedish welfare state. Its leader, Magdalena Andersson, was Sweden's first female prime minister.
In the September 2026 election the opposition parties won a narrow majority, and Andersson was tasked by the Speaker with forming a new government.
History
The party was founded in 1889 and led the government almost continuously from 1932 to 1976, under leaders such as Per Albin Hansson and Tage Erlander, building the "folkhem" welfare model. It governed for most of the period from 1982 to 2006, including under Olof Palme, who was assassinated in 1986.
After eight years in opposition it returned under Stefan Löfven in 2014. Andersson succeeded him in 2021, but the left bloc narrowly lost the 2022 election. In 2025 the party adopted a new programme.
Economic Policy
The Social Democrats support a universal welfare state, public healthcare and schools, strong unions and progressive taxation. They want to limit profits in tax-funded welfare services and have pledged to raise spending on healthcare and elderly care.
Foreign Policy
Under Andersson the party dropped its long-standing opposition to NATO and led Sweden's application in 2022. It supports the EU and aid to Ukraine.
Where They Stand
- Defends universal, tax-funded welfare services
- Wants to limit profits in tax-funded schools and care
- Supports tougher action on gang crime
- Led Sweden's application to join NATO
- Favours progressive taxation and strong unions
Electoral Record
The party won 30.3 percent in 2022 and 28.0 percent and 99 seats in 2026, again the largest party.
Position on the Political Compass
Swedish Social Democratic Party sits on the left-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
Tage Erlander
Prime Minister, 1946 to 1969
The longest-serving prime minister in Swedish history, who expanded the welfare state.
Olof Palme
Prime Minister, 1969 to 1976 and 1982 to 1986
A prominent internationalist, assassinated in Stockholm in 1986.
Magdalena Andersson
Prime Minister, 2021 to 2022
Sweden's first female prime minister and party leader since 2021.
Sources and Further Reading
- Swedish Social Democratic Party (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websitesocialdemokraterna.se
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion Sweden political test to see how your views compare with Swedish Social Democratic Party and the other parties.
Take the Sweden Test
Social Policy
The party is socially liberal but has adopted much stricter positions on migration and crime than in the past, supporting tougher sentencing and lower immigration.