David Feltenius

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 governments steering of local governments 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 countrys political culture to understand current developments in central–local government relations in Western Europe.

Multi-Level Governance as ‘Post-Constitutional’ Politics: Subnational Actors and the Swedish Constitution

Abstract In 2011, an amendment was introduced to the Swedish constitution to provide stronger protection for local self-government. This article seeks to explain this amendment in the light of the development of central-local relations towards multi-level governance (MLG). It explores the adaptation hypothesis, i.e. the developments in MLG are followed by an adjustment in constitutional policy that is influenced by subnational actors, through an empirical study of the most prominent Swedish subnational actor – the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR). The research showed that SALAR developed an agenda for the regulation of central-local relations in the constitution. SALAR was able to exert influence with this agenda by participating in the policy-making process prior to the amendment of the constitution. The research findings underscore that even though MLG per se has little to do with constitutional policy, it has consequences for such policy due to the role played by subnational actors.

Towards a More Diversified Supply of Welfare Services? Marketisation and the Local Governing of Nursing Homes in Scandinavian Countries

The purpose of this chapter is to compare and explain similarities and differences in the service provision of nursing homes for elderly people managed by different types of providers (public, for-profit and nonprofit). A common assumption in the literature is that free choice promotes different profiles of nursing homes, reflecting different types of providers. However, the empirical investigation, mainly consisting of interviews in six municipalities in Sweden, Norway and Denmark, demonstrates similarities rather than differences. This is due to the rather hard steering of nursing homes performed by the municipal administration. It is therefore argued that contracting out nursing homes is not mainly a question of free choice. Instead, other factors are relevant to consider, such as benchmarking and equality of welfare provision.

Divided Interests: Multi-level Parties and the Politics of Territorial Reform in Sweden

In the beginning of 2007, the Committee on Public Sector Responsibilities (CPSR) presented its final report on the future organization of the intermediate level of government in Sweden. The CPSR, w ...