Can we trust politicians? Interview with Dr Björn von Sydow The Speaker of Swedish parliament (Riksdag) describes himself as being committed to the position of trust that he holds. Raised by staunch Social Democrat parents, politics has always been part of his life. His studies at university included the development of the Swedish constitution and a doctoral dissertation Kan vi lita på politiker? ("Can we trust politicians?"). The Speaker's career started at a very early age when he was asked by former Prime Minister Tage Erlander to become a research secretary. Among the many positions he has held in the past, he has served as Minister for Trade (1996-97) and as Minister for Defence (1997-2002) Dr von Sydow remains an associate professor in political science at Stockholm University. How does it feel to move from government to parliament? It is very different indeed. This is not an executive position. But it is political in a more philosophical way. I preside on an official board of the inner structure and processes and in that sense I am still in the political sphere of things. But it differs greatly from a ministerial position. You don't for instance have the media looking over your shoulder the whole time. And the things that can happen while you are a minister are unpredictable. It can be Swedish soldiers injured somewhere, and you always have to answer for that. In our constitution the Speaker is also responsible to handle government during crises, or changes in government. In order to do that well, I have to be aware of subtleties of the political arena. Does this appeal to the academic in you? Yes, it does. You have time for reflections and you can use your capability of analysis. Your predecessor was in the position for more than 30 years. Do you see yourself staying that long? No, I always have to answer this vaguely. You can never say that your current job is your last job, because then you lose the imagination, the inner pressure to look forward. How do feel about Sweden's involvement in the selling of arms? As Minister of Defence I found it motivated indeed. I was responsible for imports. I argued that as a modern nation you have to be completely safe on imports. And for that to happen you have to have a predictable export regime. Now I am not in the position to answer the question in my current position. What do you think will tip the scale in the EMU referendum in September? The crucial factor will be the turnout. The total turnout in general terms and the differentiation between the yes, and no-camps in that respect. It is very difficult to speculate, even with all the current surveys being conducted. If people in these are approached with the question "are you intending to vote ?", the overall turnout is overestimated. We do not have clear indications yet of what proportion of the electorate is going to take part. In my position as Speaker I will constantly try to enthuse people to participate. Do you think that Sweden really sees itself as part of Europe? I have the feeling that Sweden and the other Nordics have the attitude that you are either a "yes, but" or a "no, but." This was clear with the EEA-referendum in 1994. If you voted "no" in 1994, you voted for inner markets with some exception, financial labour goods, etc. So even in 1994 it was actually a "yes" to full European membership, with reduced participation. If you look at Denmark and Norway's participation in NATO, you see that it also includes a few exceptions or conditions, in other words a membership with a "but". So the Swedes would answer the question of whether they are European with "yes, but" or "no, but". Other things that might cause Swedes to feel "non-European" are the strong ties with the Americans, the American labour market, music industry and film industry; as well as the emotional ties to the Third World. What is the single quality of Swedish politics and government that sets it apart from other countries? No corruption. There has been no corruption since the 1850s. Sweden has a long parliamentary tradition, and politics is steeped in the popular movements, where the people decide from the bottom up who governs them. We also have transparency in government and a strong party-system. The misuse of public funds is the biggest stain on your reputation, not things like extra-marital affairs. Are still perusing the answer to your own question whether one can trust politicians? (Laughs) I have left that behind for a while. But when you have all the power you always have to look at the moral implication of all your actions. My doctorate was an empirical study and I have found that during divisions within your own party or government, or when your own system is threatened, it is a challenge to speak the truth. The paradox is that we need different parties, and challenge. Without challenge there will be no democracy, but on the other hand democracy can't survive with lies. I am positive about the role of the new media and especially television in politics. The screen can show things that are not said, things that are shown in the eyes or facial expressions. © 2006, Swedish Bulletin. All rights reserved