Interest Groups in Sweden

Abstract

Sweden has perhaps the strongest system of interest groups in the world. All important groups belong to a few peak organizations with a very high membership percentage. This system, developed continuously from the end of the nineteenth century, is characterized by bargain ing among organizations and the institutionalization of their political influence. The peak associations are highly central ized with a hierarchical power structure, which has caused problems of internal democracy. Their political influence is based mainly on economic and personal resources and on their position in the decision-making process. Influence is exerted through various channels, ranging from informal contacts with decision makers to public propaganda campaigns. The latter, however, seem less effective than information based upon facts. Group influence is expressed mainly in the preparatory stages—through representation on investigative commis sions and so-called remiss comments on commission reports—and at the executive stage in the agencies. The least significant target is Parliament, although contacts are maintained with the parliamentary groups of the parties. The only association having intimate organizational and ideological links with a party is the Swedish Federation of Trade Unions (LO), which has the strongest influence of all groups, because of its large membership and ties with the ruling Social-Democratic Party. The other associations have all declared their political neutrality, but this is not to say that they do not take a position on controversial political issues. Thus, the Central Association of Salaried Employees (TCO) has increased its influence considerably since World War II by taking an active part in such issues.