Parliamentary Democracy

Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary form of government. The King, Carl XVI Gustaf, today has only ceremonial functions as Head of State. Parliament consists of one chamber, whose members are directly elected by proportional representation for four year terms. Sweden has universal suffrage and the voting age is 18. Voter turnout is traditionally very high. 85-90%. 42% of the elected parliamentarians are women and 50% of cabinet minsters.' •

To amend the -Constitution. Parliament has to pass two identically worded resolutions in separate sessions, with a general election held in between. In addition, a referendum on a constitutional amendment can be held. Referenda are normally merely advisory in Sweden, but in constitutional matters the result is binding if a majority has voted against the proposal. A decision to hold such a referendum can be taken by a parliamentary minority, one third of the members of Parliament.

Ombudsman

The Office of the Parliamentary Ombudsman (Riksdagens Ombudsman or Justitieom-

budsmannen. JO), was appointed in 1809. Since the end of World War II. several countries have set up similar offices based on the Swedish model. The members, who are almost always prominent judges, are appointed by Riksdag for a term of four years. Their chief duty is to see that the courts and civil service observe and enforce the nation’s laws, especially those which safe guard the freedom, security anaproperty of its citizens. They are assisted By a ‘ legally trained staff. They may make inquiries and obtain whatever information they consider necessary. Furthermore. they supervise actions of the local government author! ties and of any person who in any way exercise public execu-tive powers.

The Ombudsman will always investigate a reported abuse by an authority if a complaint is addressed to them; the press is another source of information frequently used by the Ombudsman. It may also investigate matters on its own initiative, for example after making one of the inspection trips. It should be pointed out. however, that they are neither all-power-

ful administrators nor judges. The Ombudsman has the power to institute prosecutions in court or to report a negligent public servant to the authority where he is employed, for dismissal or disciplinary measures. However, the normal outcome in such cases is that the Ombudsman makes a statement as to whether, in his opinion, the act or decision of the public servant is unlawful or inappropriate. Each year the Ombuds-. man submit an annual report to the Riksdag: these reports often contain proposals for the amendment of laws at points where they have found existing provisions to be defective.

The Ombudsman system in Sweden is of great importance as a guarantee against oppressive measures within the Judicial system and the civil administration. It contributes greatly to creation of public confidence in the activities of courts and other authorities.

In a number of areas the system of Ombudsman not appointed by the Riksdag has been installed. There are at present a Consumer Ombudsman, an Equal Opportunities Ombudsman, an Ombudsman Against

Ethnic Discrimination, a Child Ombudsman, a Handicap Ombudsman. and a Press Ombudsman for the General Public; the last-mentioned office is not a public institution but is sponsored by media organiza-

Foreign Policy and Defense

The end of the Cold War and of the political division of Europe has created new perspectives for Sweden's foreign and security policy, and new'oppor-tunlties to participate in the process of European integration.

A referendum which was held in November 1994 resulted in vote for Swedish membership in the European Union and Sweden is a full member of the EU as from January 1995.

After the dramatic changes in Central and Eastern Europe. Sweden has taken an active part in the task of securing democracy and new security structures for the continent as a whole.

Sweden's strategic location between the North Atlantic and Russia is one of the major factors determining Swedish security policy. A strong and independent national defense system is a fundamental element of Swedish security policy. The armed forces are based on general male conscription.

Sweden is an active participant in international cooperation. Strong support for the United Nations is one cornerstone of its foreign policy. Other basic elements are promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, international disarmament and protection of the environment. There is far-reaching cooperation between the Nordic countries in social welfare, cultural affairs and a joint labor market.

Industry and the Economy

In the past 100 years Sweden has evolved from a largely agrarian country to one where less than 3% of the labor force is employed in agriculture. Huge increases in farm productivity have nonetheless kept Sweden more than 80% self sufficient in food.

Of Sweden's traditional basic industries, forest products still play a major role in the economy. The engineering industry (excluding shipyards) has expanded and today accounts for nearly half of manufacturing. but the fastest growing manufacturing sector is pharmaceuticals, which, however. remains rather small in terms of output and employment.

Sweden is among the world's biggest spenders on industrial research and development in relation to national output. About 80% of R&D expenditures are related to transportation and telecommunications equipment, pharmaceuticals and machinery. A small number of industrial groups also account for most R&D spending, with ABB, Ericsson. Volvo. Saab Automobile. Scania and Astra among the leaders.

Labor Market

About 50% of the population are in the labor force. This high figure is mainly due to the fact that more than 75% of all women aged 16-64 are gainfully employed. Unemployment was given high priority in the 1980s and was for many years kept low by international standards, due to a strong business sector, the growth of the public sector, and an ambitious labor market policy. However, due to the re- cession that began in 1990. the jobless rate has risen considerably and open unemployment amounts to some 7-8%. The standard working week is 40 hours by law. Roughly 25% of the labor force work part-time. There are five weeks' statutory paid vacation.

About 80% of all employees are members of a trade union. The main business organization. the Swedish Employers' Confederation (SAF), represents all kinds of private companies grouped in trade associa- Local Government in Sweden

Local self-government has a long tradition in Sweden, but the laws underlying the current system go back only somewhat more than 100 years.

Municipalities and county councils engage in such fields as cultural affairs, leisure activities. streets and roads, parks, communications and transportation. water and sewage, generation and distribution of energy etc. In recent years, municipalities have also assumed responsibility for a growing number of refugees and asylurn-seekers from abroad, in exchange for special State compensation.