ABSTRACT
Local authorities play a very important role in Swedish public administration. Sweden is a unitary state with a parliamentary system. Functions are divided on the central, regional and local levels, but the parliament – the Riksdag – is the fundamental constitutional body of the state. In principle, the Riksdag is free to decide on the division of powers among the public bodies, including local authorities. Vital parts of public administration are managed by local (or regional) authorities. This administration is characterised by independence and adaptation to conditions, which vary significantly in different parts of the country.
