MILJÖPARTIET DE GRÖNA
Riksdagen, SE-100 12 Stockholm, Sweden
contact: Jenny THOME
Ph: 46 8 786 5345
Fax: 46 8 786 5375
jenny.thome@riksdagen.se

Members of the national parliament

Carl SCHLYTER, MEP
EP-ASP 08 G 115, rue Wiertz, B-1047 Brussels
Ph: 32 2 284 5273
Fax: 32 2 284 9273
carl.schlyter@europarl.europa.eu
www.greens-efa.org/schlyter
www.mp.se/carl

Introduction

The Swedish Green Party was founded as an alternative to the traditional parties and coalition politics. The left bloc and the right bloc differ mainly in their approach to ownership and the distribution of resources in society. Increased material welfare is however a common objective for both blocs.

For the Swedish Green Party, constant material growth is long-term unsustainable. Natural assets are limited and ecosystems are vulnerable.

Therefore, we need to develop a long-term sustainable strategy, including the economizing with natural resources. Survival in a global perspective should be given priority over increased wealth for a few people.

We also want all people – regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation and culture – to have their basic needs met and the opportunity to develop as individuals in peace, freedom and community.

Our ideology rests on a threefold solidarity:

•          solidarity with animals, nature and the ecological system,
•          solidarity with future generations
•          solidarity with all the people in the world

Earth's resources are finite and therefore limited. Human beings are a vulnerable part of a sensitive ecological system and each species has an intrinsic value. A good quality of life can only be achieved if we take this into consideration. Lacking consideration leads to environmental destruction, decreased welfare and deteriorated prerequisites for life.

History

The immediate reason for the foundation of the Swedish Green Party in September 1981 was the referendum on nuclear power in 1980 and the way it was handled. It was also the logical consequence of a long-term discontent with the government's track record on environmental issues. Many people called for a party that took environmental issues seriously.

In 1982, the Swedish Green Party participated in elections for the first time. This time, the 4 % threshold for parliament wasn't reached, but a number of seats in local councils were obtained.

In 1985, the Swedish name of our party was changed from Miljöpartiet to Miljöpartiet de Gröna, to emphasize the relationship with our green sister parties in Europe. A comprehensive view with a coherent social and economic policy was developed.

The Young Greens of Sweden, the party's youth party, was founded in 1986.

In 1988, the party entered parliament with 5.5 % of the votes, resulting in 20 seats. With the exception of the period 1991-1994, the Swedish Green Party has been in parliament since. In the 2002 elections, the party got 4.6 % of the votes.

In local councils and regional councils, the success has been more stable. Thereby, the local environmental work has also come a long way.

After the parliamentary elections in 2002, the Swedish Green Party was yet again holder of the balance of power. This resulted in a continuation of the cooperation with the governing Social democrats and the Left Party that started in 1998. This cooperation was brought to an end after the September 2006 elections, as the right wing parties gained majority in parliament and were able to form government. Although the 2006 elections meant a certain gain in numbers, with 5,2 % of the votes, they also brought a loss of real influence for the Swedish Greens.

In the latest elections to the European parliament, in 2004, the Swedish Green Party gained 6.0 % and 1 seat.

The organisation

The Swedish Green Party is organised at the local, regional and national level, with a branch stretching into the European parliament. The highest governing body of the party is the congress, which is held annually.

Between congresses, the highest governing body is the party board. Within the party organisation, an executive committee is appointed that prepares the agenda of the party board. There is also an advisory council consisting of members appointed by the regional party organisations. Other bodies include the board of auditors and the election committee. To safeguard democracy and work counter to elitism and discrimination within the party, the Swedish Green Party has developed a number of organizational rules:

Instead of a party leader, the Swedish Green Party has two spokepersons, a man and a woman. Apart from the equality perspective, the aim of this is to avoid the focus on one person that is often the result of one single party leader. Since congress in 2002, Maria Wetterstrand and Peter Eriksson are the party's spokespersons.

At least 40 % of either sex should be represented among the elected representatives. These are allowed to hold their offices at the most nine years on their respective posts (with the exception of members of parliament that are allowed to sit for three legislative periods, in total twelve years.) To avoid the concentration of power, an elected representative is not allowed to have assignments within the parliament, regional councils or local councils at the same time. No one is allowed to simultaneously be employed and elected representative at the national level.

National Government: Coalition between The Moderate Party (conservative), the Centre Party (agrarian centre), the Liberal Party and the Christian Democrats.

Parties Represented in National Parliament: The Social Democratic Party, the Moderate Party, the Centre Party, the Liberal Party, the Christian Democrats, the Left Party and the Green Party.

Next National Elections: 2010

Latest Green Party Election Results:

• National Election Year: 2006
  Total No. National Votes: 291121
  MPs: 19
  % Gained: 5.2
  

   

• European Elections: 2004
  Total No. European Votes: 145.244
  MEPs: 1
  % Gained: 5,9