During Olof Palme’s time as prime minister, Sweden was one of the most equal countries in the world, and the image of Sweden as a small country with a powerful voice on global issues was firmly established. Palme always stood up against oppression and injustice—no matter how far from Sweden they occurred. Regardless of which countries or leaders were involved, he spoke out with conviction.

Speaking out against injustice and standing up for one’s own and others’ rights without risking reprisals requires living in a free and secure society. A society where civil-society organisations, trade unions and political parties are allowed to operate freely, where citizens are educated, and where social justice is a given.

It is with this as a starting point that the Olof Palme Centre preserves Palme’s legacy. Working in his spirit means that we view our core issues—democracy, human rights and peace – from a perspective of justice.

Our mission internationally is to support democratic organisations that join together in broad strategic alliances to achieve progressive social development.

Our mission in Sweden is to help ensuring the Swedish labour movement in being a movement with a strong global perspective that together stands up, with integrity, for international solidarity.

The word integrity here refers to what we mean by working in Olof Palme’s spirit; it should be characterized by adopting a global perspective, persistently fighting oppression and injustice, and standing up for what is right, even when it may be seen as controversial or impossible.

Who was Olof Palme?

Olof Palme was leader of the Social Democratic Party from 1969 until his death in February 1986. He served as Prime Minister of Sweden for a total of almost 11 years.

Olof Palme played an important role in Swedish social democracy and the development of Sweden’s welfare society and international relations. He was strongly committed to international solidarity, peace and the equal value of all people, and his stance made him a well-known and talked-about politician around the world.

He distinguished himself with his sharp criticism of the US war in Vietnam, the Soviet Union’s war in Afghanistan, South Africa’s apartheid system, the dictatorships of the time in Eastern and Southern Europe, the military junta in Chile, as well as oppression and lack of freedom in many other places. He also fought for the disarmament of the world’s nuclear weapons and against environmental destruction.

Olof Palme was murdered in the street after a cinema visit with his wife in the evening of February 28th, 1986. To this day, the murder remains unsolved.

Read more about Olof Palme here (in Swedish)