The Swedish Social Democratic Party (Socialdemokraterna) concluded its five-day party congress in Gothenburg on 1 June with a sweeping package of policy decisions. Under the slogan “New direction for Sweden“, the congress approved a new party programme and strategic guidelines in preparation for the 2026 general election.
Party leader Magdalena Andersson described the platform as more action-oriented and concrete, even though analysts such as Jonas Hinnfors, professor of political science at the University of Gothenburg, noted significant continuity with previous positions.
A historic force in Swedish politics
Founded in 1889, the Swedish Social Democratic Party has played a defining role in shaping the country’s political identity. It governed almost continuously throughout the 20th century and was the main architect of the so-called “Swedish model”—a combination of market economy and expansive welfare state, with strong labour unions and collective bargaining.
The Social Democrats are the largest party in the Riksdag (Swedish parliament) and were last in power from 2014 to 2022. Under Magdalena Andersson’s leadership, the party is now seeking a comeback in 2026 by reasserting control over key areas of public policy while adapting to the challenges of security and integration.
Key decisions on welfare and economy
Central to the new programme is a strong focus on public welfare. The Social Democrats reaffirmed their intention to ban profit-making in tax-funded welfare services, including preschools, schools and upper secondary education. They also plan to limit the use of staffing companies in healthcare and extend high-cost protection to dental care.
New measures include binding requirements for teacher density, class size and student health care, to be supported by targeted government grants. The party also called for a formal inquiry to reverse past welfare privatisations under the banner of “take back control.”
Economic proposals included the abolition of the sickness benefit deduction, increases in child and housing allowances, and the option to reduce working hours for older workers without reducing pensions. The Social Democrats proposed a state investment bank to support strategic areas such as AI, and a loan-financed fund for defence and infrastructure.
Security and migration: a toughened stance
One of the more controversial decisions was to support a lowering of the age of criminal responsibility to 14 in cases of serious crimes—a position criticised by local leaders such as Malmö’s municipal council chair Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh. The party also approved measures to combat gang-related crime, including special laws targeting gang leaders and prevention initiatives starting from early childhood.
On migration, the party maintained its strict line, insisting that Swedish asylum rules should align with the EU’s minimum level. It also supported language requirements for citizenship and measures to limit settlement in socially vulnerable areas.
Left in tone, centrist in substance
While the congress showcased a rhetorical shift to the left—with promises to tax capital more and invest in public services—many of these proposals remain vague. Critics have pointed out the lack of clarity on implementation, especially if post-election coalitions require compromises with the Centre Party or the Greens.
The party’s largest regional branch, in Skåne, voiced concern about the Social Democrats sounding too close to the centre-right Moderates on law and order. Yet the leadership largely succeeded in pushing through its platform, combining a firm stance on crime and migration with increased social investment.
