ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the degree of Social Democratic party control of government. It examines the relationship between the parliamentary strength of Social Democracy and the extent and time in office of Social Democratic government participation. Social Democratic party control of government is thus not only a matter of electoral strength and government participation per se, but it also concerns the type and colour of government. Apart from single-party government, the formation of governments is a complex process to find a combination of different parties that can be considered a viable coalition that governs and can make policy. Social Democracy has gained weight as 'co-governors', its influence is more and more dependent on the office-seeking capacities of the Centre to enhance its policy performance. Social Democracy is represented in party governments in almost all countries more than before 1975 and has thus gained access to the state power.
