# Olof Palme

> Swedish Prime Minister (1969–76, 1982–86)

**Wikidata**: [Q53713](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q53713)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olof_Palme)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/olof-palme

## Summary

Olof Palme was born on January 30, 1927 [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13], in Stockholm, to Gunnar Palme [13] and Elisabeth Sophia von Knieriem [14][13]. He held Swedish citizenship  and worked as a politician [13]. Palme was educated at Stockholm University, Kenyon College, Beskowska skolan, and Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverket [13][15]. He was married to Jelena Rennerová from 1949 to 1952 and to Lisbet Palme from 1956 until his death in 1986 [13]. The couple had three children: Joakim Palme, Mårten Palme, and Mattias Järvinen Palme [13].Palme held various positions, including Prime Minister of Sweden from 1969 to 1976 and again from 1982 to 1986 [13], as well as President of the Nordic Council in 1979 [13]. He also served as party leader from 1969 to 1986 [13]. Palme received several awards, including the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding, the Collar of the Order of the White Lion, the Four Freedoms Award – Freedom from Fear, the Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo, and the Order of Eduardo Mondlane, 1st class [16][17][18].Olof Palme died on February 28, 1986 [1][2][3][4][5][6][8][9][11][12][19], on Sveavägen, due to a gunshot wound . He was buried at Adolf Fredrik Church cemetery [20].

## Summary
Olof Palme was a Swedish politician who served as Prime Minister of Sweden in two periods: 1969–1976 and 1982–1986. He is best known for his leadership in Sweden's social democratic government, his advocacy for international peace and human rights, and his assassination in 1986, which remains one of the most significant events in modern Swedish history.

## Biography
- **Born**: January 30, 1927
- **Nationality**: Swedish
- **Education**: Studied at Stockholm University, Kenyon College (USA), and other institutions
- **Known for**: Serving as Prime Minister of Sweden (1969–1976, 1982–1986) and his advocacy for social democracy, peace, and human rights
- **Employer(s)**: Government of Sweden (Prime Minister, Member of Parliament)
- **Field(s)**: Politics, public administration, international relations

## Contributions
Olof Palme led two cabinets during his tenure as Prime Minister:
- **Palme I Cabinet** (1969–1976): Focused on social reforms, including expanding Sweden's welfare state, promoting gender equality, and advocating for nuclear disarmament.
- **Palme II Cabinet** (1982–1986): Continued progressive policies, including opposition to apartheid in South Africa and support for international human rights.

He was also instrumental in establishing Sweden as a leader in global peace efforts, including his vocal criticism of the Vietnam War and apartheid. His assassination on February 28, 1986, in Stockholm remains unsolved and is a pivotal moment in Swedish political history.

## FAQs
**What were Olof Palme's major political achievements?**
Olof Palme is best known for his leadership in Sweden's social democratic government, where he expanded the welfare state, promoted gender equality, and advocated for nuclear disarmament. He also played a key role in international human rights efforts, particularly in opposing apartheid in South Africa.

**Where did Olof Palme study?**
He studied at Stockholm University in Sweden and Kenyon College in the United States, among other institutions.

**What is the Olof Palme Prize?**
The Olof Palme Prize is an annual Swedish award given to individuals or organizations for outstanding achievements in the spirit of Olof Palme, particularly in the areas of peace and human rights.

**What happened to Olof Palme?**
Olof Palme was assassinated on February 28, 1986, in Stockholm. The case remains unsolved, making it one of the most significant unsolved crimes in modern Swedish history.

**What is Almedalen Week?**
Almedalen Week is an annual political forum held in Visby, Sweden, where politicians, organizations, and the public gather to discuss political and social issues. It was inspired by a speech Olof Palme gave in 1968.

## Why They Matter
Olof Palme's leadership significantly shaped Sweden's social democratic policies, reinforcing its reputation as a progressive welfare state. His advocacy for human rights and peace on the international stage, including his opposition to apartheid and the Vietnam War, positioned Sweden as a moral leader in global affairs. His assassination remains a defining moment in Swedish history, symbolizing both the fragility of democracy and the enduring legacy of his ideals.

## Notable For
- Serving as Prime Minister of Sweden in two non-consecutive terms (1969–1976, 1982–1986)
- Leading the Palme I and Palme II Cabinets, which implemented major social reforms
- Being a vocal advocate for international peace and human rights, including opposition to apartheid and the Vietnam War
- Receiving the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding (1985)
- Being posthumously awarded the Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo (2004)
- The Olof Palme Prize, established in his honor, which recognizes contributions to peace and human rights
- His assassination on February 28, 1986, which remains unsolved

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Olof Palme was born on January 30, 1927, in Sweden. He pursued higher education at Stockholm University and Kenyon College in the United States, where he developed his political and social views.

### Political Career
Palme began his political career as a member of the Swedish Social Democratic Party. He served as Prime Minister of Sweden in two periods:
- **First Term (1969–1976)**: His government focused on expanding the welfare state, promoting gender equality, and advocating for nuclear disarmament. He also criticized the Vietnam War and supported international human rights causes.
- **Second Term (1982–1986)**: He continued his progressive policies, including strong opposition to apartheid in South Africa and support for global peace initiatives.

### International Influence
Palme was a prominent figure in international politics, known for his advocacy for peace and human rights. He received the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding in 1985 and was posthumously awarded the Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo in 2004.

### Assassination and Legacy
Olof Palme was assassinated on February 28, 1986, in Stockholm. The crime remains unsolved, making it one of the most significant unsolved cases in Swedish history. His death shocked the nation and the world, leaving a lasting impact on Swedish politics and society.

### Honors and Recognition
- The Olof Palme Prize, established in his honor, is awarded annually to individuals or organizations for outstanding achievements in peace and human rights.
- He is remembered as a key figure in Sweden's social democratic movement and a global advocate for justice and equality.

### Personal Life
Palme was known for his charismatic leadership and commitment to social justice. His legacy continues to influence Swedish and international politics, particularly in the areas of human rights and peace.

## References

1. [Svea artilleriregementes församlings kyrkoarkiv, Födelse- och dopböcker, SE/SSA/0005J/C/8 (1895-1927), bildid: 00025513_00072. Swedish church birth records](https://sok.riksarkivet.se/bildvisning/00025513_00072?c=0&m=0&s=0&cv=0#?cv=71&z=138.7983%2C517.2069%2C2460.2052%2C1474.4012)
2. Sveriges dödbok
3. Two-Chamber Parliament 1867–1970.
4. [Source](https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/nar-mordades-olof-palme)
5. Integrated Authority File
6. Genealogics
7. BnF authorities
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9. Q98491786
10. [Riksdagens protokoll 1976/77:1](https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-lagar/dokument/protokoll/riksdagens-protokoll-1976771-4-11-oktober-1976_G0091)
11. [Riksdagens protokoll 1982/83:1](https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-lagar/dokument/protokoll/riksdagens-protokoll-1982831_G6091)
12. Q98489842
13. Q98490373
14. [Source](https://books.google.se/books?id=kzcyEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT8&lpg=PT8&dq=%22olof+palme%22+%22Beskowska+skolan%22&source=bl&ots=Z1CCA_gUlk&sig=ACfU3U0z6EFX626TdgFEr72q5Sce4nv-JQ&hl=sv&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi0mpuL0Pf3AhXuSvEDHUvuA0sQ6AF6BAgUEAM#v=onepage&q=%22olof%20palme%22%20%22Beskowska%20skolan%22&f=false)
15. [Gravsten #3752 Sven Olof Joachim Palme. Gravstensinventeringen](http://grav.genealogi.se/Gravsokview.php?g_id=3752)
16. [Source](https://www.hrad.cz/en/czech-republic/state-decorations/order-of-the-white-lion/list)
17. Boletim da República
18. [Source](https://gazettes.africa/akn/mz/officialGazette/government-gazette-series-i-supplement/1988-02-27/8/por@1988-02-27)
19. International Standard Name Identifier
20. Virtual International Authority File
21. CiNii Research
22. MusicBrainz
23. [Source](https://www.arbark.se/sv?p=316)
24. S Olof J Palme. Dictionary of Swedish National Biography
25. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
26. SNAC
27. Find a Grave
28. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
29. GeneaStar
30. Roglo
31. Croatian Encyclopedia
32. Munzinger Personen
33. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
34. [Ämne: Palme, Olof (1927-1986). Anbytarforum](https://forum.genealogi.se/index.php?topic=77407.msg1069583#msg1069583)
35. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies
36. [Source](https://runeberg.org/vemardet/1967/0740.html)
37. [Source](https://runeberg.org/vemardet/1969/0770.html)
38. [Source](https://runeberg.org/vemardet/1977/0823.html)
39. [Source](https://runeberg.org/vemardet/1981/0842.html)
40. [Source](https://runeberg.org/vemardet/1985/0874.html)
41. [Source](https://runeberg.org/vemarvem/sthlm62/1058.html)
42. Unicameral Riksdag 1971-1993/94
43. Quora
44. LIBRIS. 2012
45. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands