In Sweden the head of state is the king. It is quite remarkable that, in a country which in so many ways is quite radical, this antiquated form of constitution still rules. The monarchical constitution goes against democratic ideals and the principles of everyone’s equal worth. It states that the function of head of state, is closed to everyone not happening to be a closely related to the aristocratic family Bernadotte. This means it is closed to A LOT of people. Before 1980 (!) it was even closed to the king’s first born, if she happened to be a female that is.
The other day I (incidentally (or not) the day of Obama becoming president) I saw the most ingenious advertisement in the national paper Dagens Nyheter. It was published by Republikanska föreningen – an association working for the abolishment of the monarchical constitution; and it congratulates the American people on being able to choose it’s head of state. The clever lay-out of the advertisment made such an impression on me that I immediately joined.
As long as the head of state position is hereditary, Sweden should not be considered a true democracy.
3 Comments
Good ad (I want to join), bad fonts though.
It is true for Australia too however our head of state is not even from our country. The American version of democracy is attractive, but as proven by Gerorge W. not perfect.
Since, in Australia, it is the Prime Minister and elected government that makes the decisions regarding the running on the country, rather than the queen, she acts only as an independent arbitrator. This role could be replicated by a popularly elected president, but the checks and balances involved in ensuring his/her independence would be complex and onerous.
I am not a great lover of heriditery monarchs but until a better model can be determined I will have to support it by default. I don’t know how the Swedish government is configured but yourbcriticisms of it seem highly valid.
Aaargh, stop it with the principled republicanism already! Although His Majesty might not be perfect, can you imagine the kinds of Head of State we would get if Sweden were to become a republic? It would be some laid off pompous ex-politician. Göran Persson as President?
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