A notable shift is occurring in Swedish local politics, contrasting sharply with the increasing polarization witnessed at the national level. While national politics are characterized by a harsh tone and a reluctance for cross-party collaboration, municipalities are experiencing a surge in cooperation, particularly between the traditionally opposing Social Democrats (S) and Moderates (M). This surprising development, documented in the research report ”Lika partier leka bäst?” (Do similar parties play best?) by political scientist Johan Wänström, highlights a growing trend of S and M forming governing coalitions, often to the exclusion of other parties.
This trend began gaining momentum in 2014, with a significant increase in municipalities led by S-M coalitions. This collaborative approach further solidified in 2022, witnessing a quadrupling of municipalities governed solely by these two parties. This shift marks a departure from the previous political landscape where such partnerships were virtually unthinkable. The report suggests that this development is driven by several factors, primarily the entry of the Sweden Democrats and local parties into municipal politics. This has disrupted traditional power dynamics, making it more challenging to form classic red-green or center-right coalitions, forcing S and M to consider new alliances.
Furthermore, the report highlights the unexpected success of these S-M collaborations. Contrary to initial skepticism, the partnerships have proven effective, with both parties reporting unprecedented success in implementing their respective policies. This effectiveness stems from a shared commitment to governance and a willingness to compromise. The traditional perception of S and M as arch-rivals, a significant barrier to previous cooperation attempts, seems to be fading. The report indicates that the perceived challenges to collaboration were often rooted in historical narratives rather than genuine policy conflicts. In practice, finding common ground on policy matters has proven easier than anticipated.
The report attributes the success of these collaborations to several key factors. Firstly, the S and M possess similar party cultures centered on governance, responsibility, and effective implementation of agreed-upon policies. This shared approach facilitates a smoother decision-making process and fosters a results-oriented environment. Secondly, negotiating with a single partner simplifies the process of compromise compared to navigating the complexities of multi-party coalitions, which often involve three or four parties with potentially diverging interests. This streamlined approach allows for more efficient and decisive action.
The report emphasizes the surprising level of policy implementation achieved by these S-M coalitions. Both parties acknowledge achieving unprecedented success in enacting their respective agendas. This effectiveness is attributed to the collaborative spirit and decisiveness that characterize these partnerships. Unlike previous coalition arrangements, the S-M collaborations prioritize decisive action, enabling them to translate agreed-upon policies into tangible outcomes. This demonstrates that cooperation, even between traditional rivals, can lead to greater effectiveness and tangible results in addressing local challenges.
The success of these local S-M collaborations offers valuable lessons for national politics, where polarization and an unwillingness to compromise hinder effective governance. The report suggests that national politicians, particularly Ulf Kristersson (M) and Magdalena Andersson (S), should examine the findings and consider adopting a more collaborative approach. The report implicitly calls for a change in the tone and approach to national politics, urging a shift away from the current adversarial climate. The example set by municipalities demonstrates that even seemingly insurmountable political divides can be bridged to achieve common goals. The report essentially advocates for a more constructive and pragmatic approach to national politics, mirroring the successful model established at the local level.
The contrasting realities of Swedish local and national politics offer a compelling case study in the potential benefits of cross-party cooperation. While national politics remain mired in division and partisan gridlock, municipalities are demonstrating that collaboration, even between traditional rivals, can lead to more effective governance and tangible results. The success of these local S-M partnerships provides a valuable lesson for national politicians and a hopeful sign for the future of Swedish democracy. The report ultimately suggests that the key to overcoming political polarization and improving governance lies in embracing a spirit of collaboration and focusing on shared goals rather than perpetuating historical divisions. This shift in mindset, exemplified by the growing trend of S-M collaborations in municipalities, offers a potential roadmap for a more effective and unified approach to addressing national challenges.
