The history of the Riksdag
Approximately one hundred years ago, women and men were granted universal and equal suffrage. But the history of the Riksdag began much earlier. Here you can read about the road to democracy in 1918–1922 and subsequent developments.
The history of the Riksdag in pictures
View a historical slideshow of the Riksdag buildings on Riddarholmen, Sergels torg and Helgeandsholmen with photos and illustrations from 1866 onwards.
From things and assemblies to the Riksdag of today
Our modern democracy has existed for approximately one hundred years. However, the roots of Sweden's representative democracy go back further than that. The Riksdag, the Swedish Parliament of today, can be traced all the way back to the things and assemblies in the 13th century. This is the history of the Riksdag.
From things and assemblies to the Riksdag of today
The development of democracy in Sweden
Here you will find a time line showing some of the parliamentary decisions, motions and government bills that have shaped our democracy, in chronological order.
The development of democracy in Sweden
The fight for the right to vote
How did Sweden become a democracy? Read more about the fight for equal suffrage and eligibility for all adult Swedes.
The longest-serving members of the Riksdag
Here you will find lists of the longest-serving members of the Riksdag since the introduction of the bicameral system in 1866.
The Instrument of Government – 50 years
All public power in Sweden proceeds from the people and the Riksdag is the foremost representative of the people. This is stated in the Instrument of Government – the fundamental law setting out the basic principles of our democracy. The current Instrument of Government was adopted by the Riksdag on 6 March 1974.
The Instrument of Government – 50 years
From royal power to people’s power - 500 years of parliament in Sweden
In June 2023, Sweden will celebrate 500 years as an independent nation. This historic event provides a point of departure for describing how our country’s form of government has developed, from the parliamentary session in Strängnäs to today’s Constitution. The Riksdag is commemorating and celebrating how Sweden’s form of government has developed, with a special emphasis on the role of the parliament and the development of its work procedures over the last 500 years.
The Swedish Parliament celebrated democracy in 2018-2022
During a four year-long democracy centenary, the Swedish Parliament commemorated the advent of democracy in Sweden from 2018 to 2022.
The Swedish Parliament celebrated democracy in 2018-2022