On 23-26 September, ALDE Party member Centerpartiet in Sweden held a virtual party congress to discuss, debate and vote on new party policies. During the Congress, Annie Lööf celebrated 10 years as party leader, and was also re-elected for another term in her leadership role.

In her introductory remarks, Lööf highlighted various strengths of the party, including their strong presence in both Sweden’s cities and rural areas:

“We see the strengths and potential that exist in every corner of our country. But we also know that none of this comes by itself. It requires energetic, courageous people. And it requires policies that uplift and support them every day.”

She also outlined her vision for Sweden’s political future ahead of next year’s parliamentary elections, including “A path toward more collaboration and trust. A path where more parties in the political centre, including those currently in opposition and in government, unite around questions that will make Sweden better – to create long-term solutions, clarity and hope for the future.”

Three new political programmes were adopted during the Congress, all of which are key focus areas ahead of the 2022 elections.

The first programme, on green economic growth, includes reforms to create jobs, reduce the tax burden, foster opportunities through research and development and slash unnecessary bureaucracy. With climate and environment in focus, the party strives to make renewable energy available faster through critical infrastructure updates.

With the second programme, the party aims to strengthen democratic institutions, protect judicial independence and media freedom, increase transparency and fight corruption. The programme also includes measures to strengthen citizens’ rights, including over personal data, protect against discrimination and ensure Sweden promotes liberal democracy in the EU and globally.

The third programme lays out liberal reforms to ensure quality healthcare is available across Sweden, including better accessibility, quality of elderly care, more training for medical personnel and freer choice of healthcare providers.

Moreover, during the congress journalist and author Caroline Engvall was awarded Karin Söder scholarship for her work with youth on fighting online hate and discrimination.

You can watch Lööf’s congress opening remarks below (in Swedish).

Photo: Centerpartiet