'Communists we are no longer, Social Democrats we can never be': The Evolution of the Leftist Parties in Finland and Sweden

Abstract

Comparison of the evolution of the post-communist parties of Finland (VAS) and Sweden (V) in the period since the collapse of communist rule reveals differences in the trajectory of their support, and raises the question of whether the Swedish V has boasted a more effective adaptive strategy. It appears that, as in central and eastern Europe, there has been an attempted social-democratization of the post-communist parties in both Finland and Sweden, facilitated by the neo-liberalization of the ruling Social Democrats. Both parties, moreover, have pursued a pro-coalition strategy. Paradoxically, it has been the Swedish V's failure to enter government which has been the crucial factor in its electoral growth.