At first glance, a grand coalition in Sweden seems obvious. Social Democrats and Moderates are not that far apart on many points, for example on issues of defense and security, but also migration and criminal law. There used to be clear differences in refugee policy, but when it comes to that, the Swedish Social Democrats are now tough as nails. In addition, after the parliamentary elections, both parties are faced with the problem that they cannot find enough willing partners in their respective political camps to be able to form a viable alliance. Then why not a joint grand coalition?
This would only be an option in the event of war or in the event of a threat of war, said acting Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. In all other situations, such an alliance is a poor alternative. This is shown by the coalition between the CDU and SPD in Germany. “You can hardly say that the German government is a good example of getting a lot done,” Kristersson continued.
The argument could be expanded further; in many respects it also applies to the grand coalitions under Angela Merkel. Looking back, there was a lack of courageous decisions in many areas in which Germany is doing poorly today. Keywords: Dependencies on Russian gas and exports to China; lack of defense capability; Imbalance in the pension and care system; dilapidated infrastructure. In addition, the grand coalitions have strengthened the political fringes, especially the AfD.
In Sweden there were also cross-bloc coalitions of the major parties, for example during the Second World War and after. But that was a long time ago. The alliances are now ideologically aligned, coalitions are with parties from the respective bloc, i.e. either left or right. Kristersson's Moderates, for example, recently governed with Christian Democrats and Liberals in a minority alliance that was supported by the right-wing populist Sweden Democrats.
The government massively expanded its defense and implemented numerous tightening measures in migration policy and criminal law. Since 2022, Sweden has therefore developed into a partly anti-migrant country. The government was controversial because of this. But you can't blame her for standing still. In addition, the alliance's policies probably helped break the previously unceasing rise of the right-wing populists: for the first time in a parliamentary election, the Sweden Democrats recently lost significantly, while all other government parties won.
However, Sweden is only of limited use as a blueprint for Germany: parliament and political culture function differently there. The gap between left and right is smaller. In the Swedish Riksdag, work is carried out pragmatically across party lines. MPs often abstain when it is not about their own proposals - the proposal with the greatest support goes through. An absolute majority is then not necessary. In addition, minority governments are normal. As long as no majority opposes a government, it can continue. This means there is no pressure to enter into large alliances.
