Prime Minister of Sweden Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Prime Minister of Sweden
Flag of Sweden
Coat of arms of Sweden
Incumbent Ulf Kristersson since 18 October 2022
Executive branch of the Swedish Government
Style	Mister Prime Minister (Swedish: Herr Statsminister) (informal) His Excellency (diplomatic)
Member of	Government of Sweden European Council National Security Council
Reports to	Riksdag
Residence	Sager House Harpsund
Seat	Rosenbad, Stockholm, Sweden
Nominator	Riksdag
Appointer	Speaker
Term length	4 years (renewable)
Constituting instrument	1974 Instrument of Government
Formation	20 March 1876; 149 years ago (1876-03-20)
First holder	Louis Gerhard De Geer
Succession	Line of succession
Deputy	Deputy Prime Minister
Salary	2,112,000 kr/US$ 203,076 annually

The Prime Minister of Sweden (in Swedish: statsminister, meaning "minister of state") is the main leader of the Swedish government. This person and their team, called the cabinet, are in charge of running the country. They must answer to the Swedish Parliament, known as the Riksdag.

The Prime Minister is chosen by the speaker of the Riksdag. The Riksdag then votes to approve this choice. Sweden holds elections every four years to choose its government.

This important role of Prime Minister started in the 1800s. Before that, the King was the main leader. Today, the Prime Minister has the most powerful political job in Sweden. They are the chief executive, meaning they lead the government. The Prime Minister has two official homes: the Sager House and Harpsund.

The Prime Minister of Sweden
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The Prime Minister of Sweden

A Look Back: History of the Role

For a long time, the King of Sweden was both the head of state and the head of government. Kings like Gustav I and Gustav III made all the big decisions. However, some kings had strong advisors. These advisors sometimes acted like the real leaders of the government. A famous example is Axel Oxenstierna, who helped build the Swedish Empire.

In the past, there was a role called the Lord High Chancellor of Sweden. This person was the closest thing to a head of government. They had duties similar to today's Prime Minister. But the title "Prime Minister" did not exist back then.

In 1809, two new roles were created: "Prime Minister for Justice" and "Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs." These people led their specific government departments. When the official Prime Minister role was created in 1876, these two roles became regular ministers.

After 1917, the King could no longer choose ministers on his own. He had to pick the leader of the party with the most votes in the Riksdag. This meant the King had to follow the advice of his ministers. Over time, the ministers gained more power.

In 1974, Sweden changed its constitution. This change officially gave all executive power to the government, led by the Prime Minister. It also removed all political power from the King. This made the Prime Minister the true leader of the country.

What Does the Prime Minister Do?

The rules of Sweden's government say that the Prime Minister must choose a Deputy Prime Minister. This person takes over if the Prime Minister cannot do their job. If there is no Deputy Prime Minister, the longest-serving minister in the cabinet steps in. If several ministers have served the same amount of time, the oldest one takes the role.

The Prime Minister's job in Sweden is very strong. They have clear powers and duties listed in the country's main laws. Unlike some other countries, the Swedish Prime Minister is both the official and actual chief executive. This means they truly lead the government.

How a Prime Minister is Chosen

Getting Appointed

When Sweden needs a new Prime Minister, the speaker of the Riksdag talks to the leaders of all the political parties. The speaker then suggests a candidate to the Riksdag.

The Riksdag votes on this candidate. The candidate becomes Prime Minister if fewer than 175 members of parliament vote "no." This system means the candidate just needs to be "tolerated" by most of the Riksdag.

After the Riksdag approves the candidate, the new Prime Minister announces their chosen ministers. These ministers will form the new government.

The official change of government happens at the Royal Palace. This is a meeting led by the King, currently Carl XVI Gustaf. During this meeting, the speaker explains how the new Prime Minister was chosen. The King then announces that the new government has officially started.

When a Prime Minister Leaves Office

If a Prime Minister resigns, dies, or is forced out of office by the Riksdag, the speaker asks them to stay in charge temporarily. This temporary government is called a "caretaker government." It runs the country until a new government is formed.

Other ministers in the cabinet do not need the Riksdag's approval. However, they can be forced to resign if the Riksdag votes "no confidence" in them. If the Prime Minister faces a "no confidence" vote and is forced to resign, the entire government falls. Then, the process to choose a new Prime Minister begins again. The Prime Minister can also decide to call new elections for the Riksdag, even after a "no confidence" vote. But they cannot do this in the first three months after an election.

Where the Prime Minister Works and Lives

Office Buildings

The main government offices, including the Prime Minister's office, are in a building called Rosenbad. This building is in central Stockholm. It is located right across the water from the Riksdag building.

Official Homes

In 1991, the government bought the Sager House. Since 1995, this house has been the private home of the Prime Minister.

Harpsund is a large country house in Flen Municipality. Since 1953, it has been used as the Prime Minister's country residence. This house is also often used for important government meetings. It hosts informal talks between the government, businesses, and other groups in Sweden.

Salary

The salaries for all cabinet ministers, including the Prime Minister, are decided each year. A special committee of the Riksdag reviews and sets these salaries. Since January 1, 2022, the Prime Minister's monthly salary is 184,000 SEK.

Images for kids

The Rosenbad building has functioned as the Prime Minister's Office (Statsrådsberedningen) since 1981.
The Sager House is the Prime Minister's official residence since 1995.
Harpsund Manor has been used as the Prime Minister's country residence since 1953.
Kanslihuset was where the Prime Minister's Office was located prior to 1981. Nowadays it houses offices of the Riksdag.