Stefan Löfven retained the position of prime minister of Sweden in January this year, after a four-month parliamentary impasse following the 2018 general election. He currently leads a minority government, in a coalition with the Green Party, but has the support of Sweden’s Centre Party, the Left Party and the Liberals. While his former government was more left-leaning, the present make-up allows the prime minister to adopt a more liberal policy.
The new government’s approach. At the end of January, Mr Löfven presented the Swedish parliament with a general policy statement and major reforms, including new guidelines on labour and social protection. Here are some of the steps announced:
- A commitment to increase pensions for those who have had a long working life and low wages.
- A promise to reduce social security contributions for employers, in particular slashing charges for the first employee.
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