Sweden’s 349-seat riksdag features a heavy concentration of middle-aged, highly educated individuals with Swedish backgrounds, according to research on political representation. While certain demographic groups hold a strong presence, others remain underrepresented in the national legislature following the September 2026 election cycle.
Demographic Breakdown of Riksdag Members
Young voters face notable underrepresentation, with only 15 riksdag members under the age of 30. This group makes up roughly 4.3 percent of the total assembly, whereas citizens in the same age bracket account for nearly 17 percent of eligible voters. Among the younger lawmakers is 22-year-old Miljöpartisten Hanna Lindqvist, who serves as the country’s youngest riksdag member.
Older citizens experience a similar discrepancy. Lawmakers aged 65 and older total 13 individuals, representing 3.7 percent of the riksdag, even though 65-plussers constitute 29 percent of Sweden’s eligible voters. Ewa Pihl Krabbe, 78, stands as the oldest member of the legislature and is soon beginning her second term.
Foreign-born residents also hold fewer seats relative to their share of the electorate. The proportion of foreign-born members in the riksdag sat at 8 percent ahead of the elections—a level that has remained steady since 2010—while the proportion of foreign-born citizens with voting rights grew to 16 percent, according to Ekot. Meanwhile, roughly half of Sweden’s population works in labor professions, but lawmakers with recent experience in a working-class job comprise a fraction of that at 12 percent, based on a mapping conducted by Arbetet.
Did You Know?
While groups like young adults and foreign-born residents are underrepresented, Sweden maintains a broad geographical representation in its legislature due to the design of its electoral system, which functions as a form of geographical quota.
Party Systems and Candidate Selection
According to Josefsson, the lack of diversity among lawmakers stems primarily from the candidate nomination systems used by political parties. She points to party-level barriers as a central reason why individuals with immigrant backgrounds struggle to secure viable ballot spots. “And we know that the reason why, for example, people with an immigrant background are underrepresented is largely about a type of discrimination in the parties,” Josefsson states. She notes that parties fail to capture these candidates, leaving them with lower chances of making candidate lists even when politically active—a dynamic that previously affected women before parties implemented quotas.
Expert Insight
Cecilia Josefsson emphasizes that live experiences shape the political issues lawmakers prioritize and champion. When key demographics—such as individuals with direct experience of immigration, integration, and segregation—are missing from legislative bodies, the perspectives driving policy debates risk losing vital firsthand insights.
The Debate Over Quotas in Politics
Addressing structural imbalances requires deliberate measures, according to academic analysis. When examining the historical underrepresentation of women globally, Josefsson identifies quotas as the sole mechanism proven to deliver results. Sweden does not utilize legislated gender quotas; instead, individual political parties set internal targets for securing a specific share of women in winnable positions. Such internal goals represent the fastest path to genuine change.
While implementing quotas can introduce distinct challenges, Josefsson argues that political parties must acknowledge existing imbalances and foster a genuine willingness to correct them. Parties seeking to attract voters from underrepresented communities must carefully evaluate the candidates they put forward, as the psychological impact of seeing oneself represented should not be underestimated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which groups are currently underrepresented in the riksdag?
Young adults under 30, adults aged 65 and older, foreign-born individuals, and people with working-class occupational backgrounds all hold significantly fewer seats in the riksdag relative to their share of the population or eligible electorate.
What role does the electoral system play in representation?
Sweden’s electoral framework ensures a broad geographical representation by distributing lawmakers from different regions across the country, which functions similarly to a geographical quota system.
What solution does research point to for correcting underrepresentation?
Studies on historical gender representation indicate that quota systems—such as voluntary party targets for winnable list spots—are the most effective method for achieving rapid change in political diversity.
Which demographic group do you believe is most critical to better integrate into national policymaking?
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