Politics & Government

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Existing within the sovereignty of the state of Sweden which is a constitutional monarchy and has the parliamentary form of government, Stockholm emphasizes the exercise of freedom and the rule of law. It features a distinctive political unit that functions effectively and performs duties related to local administration and budget allocation.

First and foremost, Stockholm is the city of Swedish Parliament or Ricksdag seating. In particular, the Parliament is a true representative of Swedish nation, as far as this country is acknowledged to possess the most democratic politics. One more fact that proves it is a 45% share of female deputies summarizing the results of 2010 elections.  Human rights, as well as votes, are of high value in Sweden; to be more precise, people take part in a parliamentary election every four year, choosing the leading party in Ricksdag (349 deputies), landstings (local councils) and communities. They also can be engaged in other forms of activity focused on political life of the country, including referendums and expressing opinions on governmental reports. By the way, government is responsible for accomplishment of parliament decisions.

Being unicameral parliament since 1971, there are 8 political parties comprising Rickstag: Moderate Coalition (Moderaterna), Centre Party (Centerpartiet), People's Party - liberals (Folkpartiet liberalerna), Christian Democratic Party (Kristdemokraterna); Social Democratic Party (Socialdemokraterna), Green Party (Miljopartiet de Grona), Left Party (Vansterpartiet); Sweden Democrats (Sverigedemokraterna). According to the results of elections 2010, previous leader Moderate Coalition has passed 4% barrier required, but it cannot form a total majority in Parliament’s Chamber. The structure of Ricksdag includes Speaker or Riksdagens talman, parliament groups (fractions), the heads of which form Speaker’s conference.

In contrast to Swedish Parliament, that has full power, the King (currently Carl XVI Gustaf) performs representative functions solely. The only political involvement of the monarch is opening of an annual Ricksdag session in September. The other prominent duty of the King is giving Nobel Awards, originated in Sweden particularly. In order to leave the country, Swedish monarch should consult with prime-minister. Moreover, in case he does not perform his duties more than 6 months, Rickstag can appoint a certain regent instead. Hence, Swedish King is really deprived of real authority, which has preconditioned current King to be engaged in social and cultural life of the society more actively.

Regeringskansliet or Swedish Government also seats in Stockholm, performing the orders of the Parliament. The principle of corporative responsibility is a prime one in governmental activity. Besides dealing with Ricksdag, the executive power of the government is to represent Sweden in the EU, conclude agreements with other states, and make decisions in some spheres of local authority units. In particular, local executive authority is a hierarchical set of regional administrative organs headed by governors, landsting and municipality assemblies, communes and parishes. Fredrik Reinfeldt, being a winner of Swedish general elections twice, has been on a prime-minister position since 2006.

The judicial power has also its structure, starting from tingsrätts or district courts. The higher court stage is hofsratts. Their judges are appointed by the government and the jurors are elected for six years by the county council and the authorized commission of Stockholm. The judge of Swedish Supreme Courts is chosen by the government as well.

The whole political structure of Sweden is defined by national Constitution, consisting of four fundamental laws: The Act of Succession (1810), The Freedom of the Press Act  (1949), The Instrument of Government (1974) and The Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression (1991).