Sweden welcomes trade unionist as prime minister

The election results mean a return to a socialist government after eight years of conservative rule in Sweden.

A welder by trade, Löfven rose from the ranks of membership of IndustriALL Global Union affiliate IF Metall to become president of one of Sweden’s largest trade unions.  He was also a member of the Executive Committee of the International Metal Workers’ Federation (IMF).

In the opening speech at IndustriALL’s founding congress in Copenhagen 2012, Stefan Löfven said:

“Wherever there is a political discussion, workers’ voice should be heard and respected. I’m still one of you, I’ll always be.”

IndustriALL general secretary Jyrki Raina says:

“We congratulate our comrade on this huge achievement and we are proud to see a trade unionist run a country. Whatever challenges lie ahead, Stefan is a highly experienced negotiator with strong democratic roots.”