Two political big forces in Sweden (social democrats and Centre-right Alliance Bloc) have made a deal against the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats. Under the deal, both parties will govern by rotation until 2022. Such a pact is legitimate, but is allowed to designate the parties sharing power for more than a parliamentary mandates? Does this new form of agreement a threat to democracy’s model of Sartori and to the election? Is possible to found such practices in other countries (in the last two decades) where two political groups determine the future government despite election results?
Dear Professor Krasniqi,
As far as I know, The December Agreement does not include governing by rotation until 2022 despite election results. This kind of practise would obviously be nondemocratic. According to the Agreement, the largest force will form the government despite not having a parliamentary majority. The leader of the winning party will be appointed prime minister. In addition, the opposition will not vote against the budget (rejection of the budget started the 2014 Swedish cabinet crisis) and the parties to the agreement will collaborate in the strategic areas: defense and security policy, pension system, energy policy. Therefore, the future governments have not been determined. The ultimate decision remains in the hands of the people. The Sweden Democrats could still win the election of 2018 and 2022 and form a government.
It is important to remember that Sweden has a tradition of minority cabinets and custom of seeking broad political consensus. So the Agreement should be read in the context of the Swedish parliamentary tradition.
And lastly, as every political deal, The December Agreement can be terminated at any point.
I don’t see how the Agreement could be considered as a threat to democracy in Sweden. Nonetheless, it is undoubtedly controversial and interesting topic.
Kind regards
Hello, I recommend reading Katz and Mair on the cartel party thesis. This may not match exactly what you are looking for, but I think it will be helpful for you. Best, Cedric
In France, the Right and the Left quite often form a "Front Républicain" to block the Far Right (Front National) from gaining power. It was a major factor in the 2002 presidential election.
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