Stefan Löfven

Former Prime Minister of Sweden

Stefan Löfven was the Prime Minister of Sweden 2014-2021 and Party Leader of Sweden´s Social Democratic Party 2012-2021.

Stefan Löfven today, holds a number of domestic, European and international positions. He is President of the Party of European Socialists since 2022. He is chair of the governing board of the Stockholm International Peace and Research Institute (SIPRI). He is chair of the Olof Palme Memorial Fund and member of the board of directors for the Edelstam Foundation. Together with Ellen Johnson Sirleaf he chaired the UN High-level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism. In 2023 he became a member of the Global Citizen Board.

Löfven governed Sweden during the refugee crisis and the pandemic, earning a reputation as a steady hand in times of crisis. During his time as prime minister, ambitious goals was set on climate change and strategic focus on industrial innovation became the start of Sweden’s climate transition to a fossil-free welfare society. Workers’ rights and welfare investments remained priorities throughout his term as well as focus on gender equality and childrens’ rights.

Löfven’s commitment to democracy, European values and human rights that is well known across Sweden, Europe and the world. The European Social Pillar was established through his political leadership and it remains a defining moment for a more social, fair and sustainable Europe. He initiated the OECD’s Global Deal, a multi-stakeholder initiative for social dialogue and inclusive growth.

He began his trade union engagement during his time as a welder at Hägglunds in Örnsköldsvik. In 1995 he was employed by the Swedish Metalworkers Union and in 2002 appointed as its vice chairman. Löfven was in 2006, after a merge of unions, elected as the new IF Metall’s first chairman.

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