Having maintained long-standing ties with Sweden, I have had many opportunities to observe the country’s distinctive social character. Decades ago, I was invited to the residence of a CEO of a Swedish business group who served as a high-ranking government official in the historic city of Uppsala. To my surprise, his home was filled with modest, almost antique furniture. Even more strikingly, he relied on a bicycle for daily transportation rather than a car.
His way of life reflected the values that once shaped Sweden. Eight decades ago, the country struggled with economic hardship, unemployment and intense labor conflicts marked by frequent strikes. Yet, it transformed into a leading welfare state, ranking among the highest in global happiness and integrity.
Tage Erlander (1901–1985), who served as prime minister from 1946 to 1969, stands at the center of this transformation. He led Sweden for 23 years. He won 11 consecutive elections, finally securing an absolute majority before gracefully handing over power to his successor, Olof Palme.
Though Erlander began his career on the radical left, he became prime minister with a strong focus on reconciliation. To ease class tensions, he promoted a “politics of dialogue,” bringing together opposition leaders, labor unions and industrialists to find common ground. This approach was embodied in his “Thursday Meetings,” where key figures met informally at the Harpsund estate, the official country retreat, to discuss issues. These gatherings built trust and helped lay the foundation for Sweden’s welfare system and long-term social stability.
Despite being the most powerful man in Sweden, Erlander lived in simplicity. He reportedly wore the same overcoat for over 20 years and chose to repair his shoes rather than buy new ones. During his two decades in office, he owned only one formal suit, strictly reserved for the opening ceremonies of the National Assembly. He even refused to live in the official residence, opting instead for rented public housing alongside ordinary citizens. By living as a neighbor rather than a ruler, he remained intimately connected to the everyday struggles of the people.
His wife, Aina, shared this modest spirit. A high school chemistry teacher, she maintained her own career throughout his time in office. In a famous display of integrity, she once returned a bag of government-inscribed ballpoint pens after his retirement, stating, “These belong to the government; it is only right to return them.” When Erlander retired in 1969, the public was astonished to learn he did not own a home.
His party eventually raised funds to provide him with a modest house by a lake. He received more visitors in retirement than he did in office — including many political opponents who came simply to pay their respects to his character.
Their son, Sven Erlander — a distinguished professor who later became rector (president) of Linköping University — recalled his parents with tears, remembering a life defined by devotion to the public good.
Tage Erlander’s tenure remains a living textbook of democracy. His dedication to dialogue and honesty provided the moral foundation for Sweden’s success. His example stands in contrast to the status-driven displays and bureaucratic tendencies often seen in modern politics. In Korea, there is an ardent yearning for a leader — one who prioritizes the public good over personal privilege and serves as a source of national pride.
Choe Chong-dae ([email protected]) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is a recipient of Sweden’s Royal Order of the Polar Star, one of the nation’s most distinguished honors.
Source: Korea Times News
