Unlike many other countries, Sweden‘s government is a semi-independent, unitary state. The Swedish Government is led by a Prime Minister and the Cabinet. This is a group of 22 Ministers who work under the Prime Minister.
In general, the Swedish Government focuses on economic welfare and EU-level affairs. Its priorities include climate change, the role of the European Union in the world, and international cooperation. During the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, from 1 January to 30 December 2009, Sweden will be responsible for implementing policies in the European Union. In the years following the Presidency, Sweden will take part in the preparation of new common rules and participate in the decision-making process.
Sweden is a democratic country with a parliamentary system of government. All citizens have the right to vote. Women in Sweden first have the right to vote in general elections in 1921. The Riksdag is a unicameral parliament, elected for four-year terms. Members are selected from proportional representation. If a majority of the yeas and abstainers in the parliament support a certain candidate, he or she becomes the Prime Minister of Sweden. If the Prime Minister does not receive the requisite majority, he or she is removed.
The Swedish public sector is divided into three levels: the legal person (the State), local authorities, and the administrative agencies. The State and the local authorities each have a set of tax bases and areas of responsibility. The State provides social welfare benefits and services. In addition, the state provides unemployment insurance to workers. A national accident insurance program covers medical expenses incurred on the job. In addition, a basic old-age pension is provided starting at age 65.
The Swedish Judiciary is independent from other government bodies. The Supreme Court of Sweden is the highest court of authority in all civil and criminal cases. The judicial system is divided into general courts and administrative courts. There are also four types of lay assessors. The District Courts have a panel of lay assessors who take part in main hearings on serious cases. The Swedish National Police Service reports to the Government. The National Police Board is a part of the Government.
The Swedish Parliament is made up of 310 members, each elected by proportional representation. The Riksdag has the power to make laws, appoint a government, and amend the constitution. The Riksdag appoints the speaker and deputy speakers. It also sets up standing committees. These committees are responsible for deliberating bills and recommending them to the Riksdag. The Riksdag’s responsibilities include making decisions about whether a binding referendum should be held. The Riksdag may also decide to call for a non-binding referendum.
During the 1990s, the economic crisis led to a dramatic change in Sweden’s housing policy. The government worked with municipal housing authorities and private builders to build new housing and to ensure that the existing stock was sustainable. During this period, the government implemented programs to help unemployed workers find jobs and to assist those seeking retraining.