Olof Palme

Sven Olof Joachim Palme {{Audio|sv-Olof_Palme.ogg|listen}} (January 30, 1927 ? February 28, 1986) was a Swedish politician. He was the leader of the Social Democrat Party from 1969 to 1986 and was Prime Minister of Sweden with a Privy Council Government from October 1969 to October 1976 and with a Cabinet Government starting in October 1982. Palme was assassinated in 1986 and was succeeded by Ingvar Carlsson.

Early life and education

Palme was born in Östermalm, Stockholm, Sweden. He came from an upper-class background. However, his political orientation came to be influenced by Social Democratic ideas and ideals. This was mainly the effect of his travels in developing countries as a student leader (see below).

Related Topics:
Östermalm - Stockholm - Sweden - Social Democratic

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On a scholarship, he studied at Kenyon College, Ohio 1947-1948, graduating with a B.A. in less than a year. Inspired by the radical debate in the student community, he wrote a critical essay on Friedrich Hayek's The Road to Serfdom. After hitchhiking through the U.S., he returned to Sweden to study law at Stockholm University. During his time at university, Palme became involved in student politics, working with the Swedish National Union of Students. In 1951, he became a member of the social democratic student association in Stockholm, although it seems he did not attend their political meetings at the time. The following year he was elected President of the Swedish National Union of Students, a position making it necessary to tone down party loyalties.

Related Topics:
Kenyon College - Ohio - 1947 - 1948 - B.A. - Friedrich Hayek - The Road to Serfdom - Hitchhiking - Stockholm University - Swedish National Union of Students - 1951

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