Ingvar Carlsson

On March 12, 1986, Carlsson became Prime Minister following the assassination of Olof Palme. He led the Social Democratic government and continued Palme's policies, including welfare state expansion and international solidarity.

In 1990, Carlsson's government faced a severe economic crisis with high inflation and a banking crisis. He implemented austerity measures, including tax increases and spending cuts, which stabilized the economy but led to high unemployment and social unrest.

Carlsson resigned as Prime Minister in October 1991 after the Social Democrats lost the general election to a center-right coalition. His government had been weakened by the economic crisis and unpopular austerity measures.

Carlsson returned as Prime Minister in October 1994 after the Social Democrats won the general election. His second term focused on EU accession and economic recovery, but he resigned again in 1996, citing a desire to step down.

Carlsson's government negotiated Sweden's accession to the European Union, which took effect on January 1, 1995. This followed a 1994 referendum where 52.3% voted in favor, marking a major shift in Swedish foreign policy from neutrality to integration.