Relations Between Central and Local Government in Sweden During the 1990s: Mixed Patterns of Centralization and Decentralization

Abstract

In this article, mixed patterns of centralization and decentralization in Sweden from the 1990s and onwards are investigated. Centralization measures are examined through the case of central government's steering of local government's provision of welfare, while decentralization measures are examined through the case of the experiment with setting up regions. In addition, the current discussion on future developments of central–local government relations in Sweden is explored. It is argued, in this article, that centralization measures in Sweden during the period investigated can be explained mainly by the importance played by the principle of equality in welfare provision and that decentralization can be explained by the discussions on the ‘Europe of the Regions’. This explanation is in accordance with the literature in the field that stresses the importance of both Europeanization and specific values within a country's political culture to understand current developments in central–local government relations in Western Europe.