DN Debate: Kristersson Appoints Fewer of His Own Than Löfven Did

Contrary to public perception, Sweden's current government under Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson appoints fewer loyalists to top state positions than the previous administration led by Stefan Löfven. This argument comes from Adam Danieli of the market-liberal think tank Timbro, writing in an opinion piece for Dagens Nyheter.

Danieli contends that while the image is of a government filling state positions with its own people, the actual politicization of these top jobs has decreased compared to the Social Democrat era. The core issue, he argues, is not necessarily the number of appointments but the continued lack of transparency and the hidden nature of how these powerful positions are filled, regardless of who is in power.

“

The politization of state top jobs has decreased compared to when Stefan Löfven (S) was in power.

The Swedish system for appointing heads of government agencies is criticized for its ambiguity. Unlike many countries with clear career paths for civil servants, Sweden lacks a structured system for recruitment, vetting, and promotion to the highest administrative posts. The government has significant discretion in these appointments, often fulfilling constitutional requirements for merit and skill based on its own judgment, a process Danieli finds internationally unusual.

This lack of clear procedures and transparency contrasts with international standards, including commitments under the UN Convention Against Corruption. The author highlights the significant responsibility held by agency heads in Sweden's administrative model, where ministers cannot directly intervene in individual cases. This long-term responsibility is juxtaposed with the minimal public insight into how these leaders are selected.

“

The scandal is that the country's most powerful positions are still appointed in secret – regardless of who is in charge.