Maria Larsson, Swedish educator and politician, Swedish Minister of Health and Social Affairs

Ingrid Maria Larsson, born on 20 January 1956 in the tranquil village of Långasjö within Sweden's Kronoberg County, is a distinguished Swedish politician affiliated with the Christian Democrats (Kristdemokraterna). Her extensive career in public service culminated in her appointment as the Governor (Landshövding) of Örebro County, a prestigious role she has held since May 2015. This significant appointment was made by the Social Democrat-led cabinet of then-Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, a testament to her bipartisan respect and administrative capabilities, as governors in Sweden are non-political representatives of the state in their respective counties.

What is the Role of a Governor in Sweden?

In Sweden, a Governor, or Landshövding, is the head of a County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelsen). This board serves as the regional authority representing the Swedish government and parliament. The Governor's responsibilities are multifaceted, encompassing the coordination of state activities, ensuring the application of national laws and policies within the county, promoting regional development, and overseeing various administrative functions from environmental protection to social welfare and public safety. Their role is crucial for linking central government policy with local implementation.

Significant Ministerial Contributions (2006-2014)

Prior to assuming her gubernatorial post, Ingrid Maria Larsson played a pivotal role in the Swedish government as a minister for eight years. Her tenure coincided with the centre-right Alliance government led by Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, which governed Sweden from 2006 to 2014. Her ministerial appointments highlighted a consistent focus on social welfare and health:

Her long and dedicated service in these critical portfolios demonstrates her deep understanding of social policy and commitment to vulnerable populations.

A Longstanding Member of the Swedish Riksdag (1998-2014)

Beyond her ministerial duties, Ingrid Maria Larsson was a prominent Member of Parliament (MP) in the Swedish Riksdag, Sweden's unicameral national legislature, representing the Christian Democrats. Her parliamentary career spanned an impressive 16 years, from 1998 to 2014. During her time in the Riksdag, she contributed to legislative processes, debated national issues, and represented her constituents, embodying the principles and values of the Christian Democrats, which typically advocate for policies rooted in Christian democratic values, focusing on family, social welfare, and ethical considerations in public life.

Transition and Departure from Active Party Politics

The Swedish general election of 2014 marked a significant turning point in Ingrid Maria Larsson's active party political career. The election resulted in a defeat for the centre-right Alliance coalition, leading to a change in government. Consequently, Larsson also lost her seat in the Riksdag, signaling the end of her parliamentary tenure. In the aftermath of this electoral outcome, and in line with her announced intention to withdraw from active party politics, she stepped down from her influential role as deputy party leader of the Christian Democrats in 2015. This decision, however, paved the way for her continued public service in a non-partisan administrative capacity as Governor, demonstrating a shift from direct political leadership to a key governmental administrative role.

When was Ingrid Maria Larsson born?
Ingrid Maria Larsson was born on 20 January 1956, in Långasjö, Sweden.
What is her current position?
Since May 2015, she has served as the Governor (Landshövding) of Örebro County.
Which political party is Ingrid Maria Larsson associated with?
She is a prominent member of the Christian Democrats (Kristdemokraterna) in Sweden.
What ministerial roles did she hold?
Ingrid Maria Larsson served as Minister for the Elderly and Public Health from 2006 to 2010, and subsequently as Minister for Children and the Elderly from 2010 to 2014, both under the Fredrik Reinfeldt government.
How long was she a Member of Parliament?
She was an MP in the Swedish Riksdag for 16 years, from 1998 until 2014.
Why did she step down as deputy party leader?
Following the Christian Democrats' and the Alliance's electoral defeat in the 2014 general election and her own loss of a parliamentary seat, Ingrid Maria Larsson announced her intention to step down from active party politics and her role as deputy party leader in 2015.