Resting here lies a leader who shaped a nation. This is the grave of Per Albin Hansson. He rests in Norra Begravningsplatsen in Stockholm. Hansson was no ordinary politician. He was a two-time Prime Minister of Sweden. He served from 1932 to 1936 and again from 1936 until his death in 1946.
Per Albin Hansson wasn’t just a prime minister. He was the chairman of the Social Democrats from 1925. Imagine the political landscape of Sweden during those times. Hansson led the Social Democrats through transformative years.
Hansson’s political career spanned a crucial period in Swedish history. He also served as Minister for Defence. He held this position multiple times between 1920 and 1926. His leadership extended beyond domestic policies. During World War II, Hansson led a government of national unity. Almost all major parties in the Riksdag participated except the Communist Party. Sweden maintained a policy of neutrality during the war.
Hansson’s vision shaped modern Sweden. He created the idea of Sweden as “Folkhemmet”. This translates to “The People’s Home”. It signified a society built on welfare and social corporatism. His vision remained intact until the early 1990s.
During his time as Prime Minister, Hansson implemented numerous reforms. Income-tested child allowances were introduced for invalidity pensioners. Maternity allowances were provided through voluntary sickness insurance. A 1935 law subsidized apartment construction for families with three or more children. Housing allowances were given to families with more than two children in these houses. Subsidized dental care became a reality. By 1953, dental clinics were open to the whole population. Children received free treatment. Adults paid a modest fee. Less well-off persons also received free treatment.
A voluntary unemployment insurance scheme was established in 1935. The government allocated funds to improve rural housing. An act in 1936 expanded coverage for occupational diseases. It included diseases caused by carbon monoxide, chlorine and certain infections. A People’s Travel Association was founded in 1937 for workers and their families. New regulations were introduced regarding the right to association. These applied to workers in private undertakings and employees in state service. An act regulated working hours on farms employing more than four workers. The maximum working day was 10 hours. The net working week varied from 46 to 56 hours. The years 1937 to 1939 were a harvest season for social reforms.
Hansson himself noted the significance of 1937. A pension amendment indexed to the cost of living was enacted. Child support and maternity assistance were improved. Far-reaching improvements in preventative mother and child care happened. The housing loan fund was established. The regulation of farm labor was approved.
1938 brought compulsory holidays and the national dental plan. The Institute for Health Insurance was founded. In 1939 working hours were regulated. Housing for pensioners was created for the aged. An act provided 12 days of annual holiday with pay for workers. The Workers’ Protection Act was amended. It covered hygiene and protection for young persons. Medical examinations were introduced for adults in unhealthy trades. Compensation was extended to cover dermatitis from wood impregnation. Loans and grants were provided for roomy accommodation. This was for large families living in overcrowded rural buildings. The 48-hour week was extended to staff in lunatic asylums.
In commerce, a new act fixed hours of work for employees. Working hours for nursing and domestic staff were 48 in the week from 1939. Instructions were published concerning the inspectorates for electrical installations. The war risks of seamen were addressed. An act ensured that no person could be discharged from employment due to military service. An act prohibited employers from discharging wage earners due to engagement or marriage.
Per Albin Hansson’s early life shaped his political views. He participated in the creation of the Swedish Social Democratic Youth in 1903. Influenced by Karl Kautsky, he succeeded Hjalmar Branting as editor of Social-Demokraten in 1917. He performed numerous cut-backs on the military budget.
Hansson’s vision of Folkhemmet emphasized a welfare state. He favored class collaboration and reform over nationalization. Following Germany’s surrender, Hansson wanted to maintain a broad coalition government. He agreed to a single-party government.
Hansson’s government controversially agreed to extradite soldiers from the Baltic states. They had been conscripted into the German armed forces. They sought refuge in Sweden. The government of Sweden formally apologized for this in 2011.
Per Albin Hansson died from a heart attack in 1946. He was succeeded by Tage Erlander. Hansson’s legacy is vast. He is seen as one of the most successful prime ministers in Swedish history. He rests here at Norra Begravningsplatsen.