Socialdemokraterna. Från minoritetsregering till koalitionspartner

Abstract

The Social Democratic Party – From Minority Government to Coalition Partner

The Swedish Social Democrats’ coalition with the Left Party and the Green Party seems to be a departure from the party’s unique position in Swedish politics. This article analyzes the Social Democrats’ transformation from a minority ruling party to a coalition-forming party among others. If the transformation implies a substantial strategic shift, what is then behind it? The change is smaller than it might seem – the coalition idea is far from new. The option has been considered before, but has for various reasons not been realized. The change of strategy can be explained as a tactical response to new circumstances, rather than as the result of drastic rethinking.