THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN SWEDEN

The head of State Has no political power Purely constitutional King Carl XVI Gustaf Sweden and Swedish democracy

the Constitution the Instrument of Government the Act of Succession the Freedom of the Press Act the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression

Levels of government National –The Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) Regional –County Council Local –Municipality European level –EU Parlament Sweden and Swedish democracy

Elections every four years At parliamentary elections and municipal and county council Who are to decide how Sweden is governed and administered Sweden and Swedish democracy

Who can vote? For The Swedish Parliament 18 years old Swedish citizen Registered as living in Sweden Sweden and Swedish democracy

Who can vote? For Municipality and County Council 18 years old Registered as living in Sweden Citizen of any EU´s Member states, Iceland or Norway and have been registered as living in Sweden at least 30 days Otherwise registered as living in Sweden for 3 years. Sweden and Swedish democracy

National level The Riksdag (Swedish parliament) represents the people 349 members Decisions are taken by vote –Enacts laws –Decides on state income (taxes) and spending –Scrutinises and checks the Government´s and authorities´ –Appoints the Prime Minister Sweden and Swedish democracy

Regional level 18 counties 2 regions –Skåne –Västra Götaland Gotland has no counties – its tasks are carried out by Gotland Municipality Sweden and Swedish democracy

The country and regional councils responsibilities Public health and medical care Public dental health Regional development –Public transport –Culture –Support for industry and commerce –toursim Sweden and Swedish democracy

Local level 290 municipalities –Pre-schools, secondary schools, upper- secondary schools –Elderly care –Assistance to the funktionally impaired –Rescue services –Water and waste –Public libraries –Public transport Sweden and Swedish democracy

Summary Sweden has four fundamental laws which together make up the Constitution Is a parliamentary democracy The word democracy means that all public power proceeds from the people Sweden have four levels of government whith general elections every four years