Tagged: Sweden

According to Petsinclude, Sweden is a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy, with the current King, Carl XVI Gustaf, in power since 1973. He is the head of state, but his role is largely ceremonial and he has no legislative power. The unicameral Parliament (Riksdag) consists of 349 members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms. It has legislative power to pass laws and can also impeach the Prime Minister or other ministers if necessary. The Prime Minister leads the Cabinet which includes members from both major political parties. The Cabinet is responsible for formulating policy and executing laws passed by Parliament. The judiciary in Sweden is independent from both executive and legislative branches, with its highest court being the Supreme Court headed by a Chief Justice appointed by the King after consultation with an Advisory Council on Selection Matters. There are also several lower courts including District Courts, Administrative Courts and Labour Courts. The Riksdag also has some oversight over governmental activities through its committees which have special responsibilities such as finance and foreign affairs. The Riksdag can also initiate legislation independently of the government, although this is rare in practice. Sweden has a long history of maintaining peaceful foreign relations and has a reputation for neutrality. As of 2020, Sweden is an active member of the United Nations, the European Union (EU), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe. Sweden also participates in numerous regional organizations, such as Nordic Council and Barents Euro-Arctic Council. Sweden is committed to upholding international law and human rights, and works to promote peace, security, democracy, rule of law, gender equality, sustainable development and poverty reduction. Sweden also works to protect vulnerable populations from conflict or natural disasters through its humanitarian aid efforts. In addition to providing emergency relief assistance during crises or disasters, Sweden contributes to longer term development projects that aim to reduce poverty by improving access to education, health care services and improved infrastructure. Sweden is an active participant in international peace negotiations, often sending diplomats to support diplomatic efforts in countries where conflict or instability threaten human rights or democracy. The Swedish government also provides financial support for organizations such as the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA). In addition to these activities related directly to foreign policy objectives and international security concerns, Sweden is an active global player on issues such as climate change mitigation and nuclear non-proliferation. See relationshipsplus for Sweden defense and foreign policy.