Göran Lindblad, Swedish dentist and politician

Lars Göran Axel Lindblad: A Prominent Swedish Statesman Championing Human Rights and Historical Justice

Lars Göran Axel Lindblad, born on 12 January 1950 in Gothenburg, Sweden, is a distinguished Swedish politician and a long-standing member of the centre-right Moderate Party (Moderaterna). Throughout his extensive career, Lindblad has made significant contributions to both Swedish domestic politics and international human rights advocacy, particularly in the realm of condemning totalitarian ideologies.

Parliamentary Career in Sweden

Lindblad’s journey in public service began within the Swedish parliamentary system, known as the Riksdag. He served as a full member of the Swedish Parliament from 1997 to 2010, proudly representing the constituency of Gothenburg, one of Sweden's major cities and economic hubs. Prior to and after his tenure as a full member, Lindblad also served as a replacement member of parliament, first from 1993 to 1997, and again from 2010 onwards. In the Swedish parliamentary system, a replacement member steps in when an elected member is temporarily unable to fulfil their duties, such as during periods of ministerial appointments or illness, ensuring continuous parliamentary function.

International Leadership and Human Rights Advocacy

Lindblad's influence extends far beyond Sweden's borders, marked by his profound commitment to democracy and human rights on the international stage. His roles within the Council of Europe, the continent's leading human rights organisation encompassing 46 member states, highlight his dedication:

• He chaired the Swedish delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the organisation's deliberative body composed of parliamentarians from all member states, working to uphold human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across Europe.
• He served as Vice President of PACE, a significant leadership position within the Assembly, demonstrating his influence and respect among his international peers.
• He also chaired the influential Political Affairs Committee of PACE, a key committee responsible for addressing major political issues affecting Europe and for preparing comprehensive reports and recommendations for the Assembly.

Lindblad was an active member of the Parliamentary Assembly from 2004 to 2010, during which time he spearheaded crucial initiatives for global justice and democratic principles.

Leading the Platform of European Memory and Conscience

In October 2011, Lars Lindblad was elected President of the Platform of European Memory and Conscience. This significant role underscores his dedication to historical truth and the commemoration of victims of totalitarianism. The Platform, established in 2011, is an international non-governmental organisation that brings together governmental and non-governmental bodies, research institutes, and NGOs from across Europe. Its core mission is to document the history of totalitarian regimes, particularly communist and Nazi regimes, promote awareness of their crimes against humanity, and ensure the remembrance of their victims. Lindblad’s leadership in this organisation reflects his ongoing commitment to ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten and that historical injustices are acknowledged.

A Champion Against Totalitarianism: Resolution 1481

One of Lindblad's most internationally recognised contributions is his relentless work to expose and condemn the crimes of totalitarian communist regimes. He served as the Council of Europe rapporteur on this critical topic, a role that involved extensive research, drafting a comprehensive report, and proposing a resolution for adoption by the Assembly. This culminated in the landmark Council of Europe Resolution 1481, officially titled "Need for international condemnation of crimes of totalitarian communist regimes," which was adopted on 25 January 2006. This resolution was groundbreaking as it marked the first time an international body of parliamentarians formally condemned the widespread human rights violations and atrocities committed by communist regimes throughout the 20th century. This historic condemnation aimed to ensure that the victims of communism receive recognition and that these crimes are not overlooked compared to those of other totalitarian ideologies.

Lindblad's personal conviction against communism is deeply rooted, as he famously stated: "Growing up in Sweden, so close to the Evil Soviet Empire, I have always been against communism." This perspective, shaped by the geopolitical realities of the Cold War and Sweden's direct proximity to the Soviet Union, profoundly influenced his lifelong advocacy for freedom, human rights, and the pursuit of historical justice.

Advocacy for Humane Refugee Policies and Charitable Work

Beyond his work on historical justice, Lindblad has consistently advocated for a more humane refugee and migration policy. His compassionate stance reflects a broader commitment to human dignity and welfare, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment and support for those fleeing conflict or persecution. He is also actively involved in charitable work aimed at improving conditions for refugees, demonstrating his practical dedication to alleviating suffering and providing essential support to vulnerable populations.

Professional Background and Personal Life

Before embarking on his distinguished political career, Lars Lindblad was a professional dentist, having successfully graduated from Gothenburg University in 1977. His early leadership potential was evident during his time as Vice President of the National Union of Students from 1976 to 1977, indicating an early engagement in public service and student advocacy. In his personal life, he is married and a father of four children.

Founding Signatory of the Prague Declaration

Further cementing his commitment to confronting the legacy of totalitarianism, Lindblad is a founding signatory of the Prague Declaration on European Conscience and Communism. Signed in 2008, this declaration calls for a comprehensive European understanding of totalitarian crimes committed during the 20th century, advocating for the condemnation of communist crimes alongside those of Nazism, and fostering a common European historical memory to prevent such atrocities from recurring.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lars Göran Axel Lindblad

Who is Lars Göran Axel Lindblad?

Lars Göran Axel Lindblad is a prominent Swedish politician and a member of the Moderate Party, widely recognized for his extensive service in the Swedish Parliament and his significant international work in human rights, particularly concerning the condemnation of totalitarian communist regimes.

What is Council of Europe Resolution 1481?

Resolution 1481, officially titled "Need for international condemnation of crimes of totalitarian communist regimes," was a landmark resolution drafted and championed by Lars Lindblad. Adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in 2006, it was the first time an international body of parliamentarians formally condemned the widespread crimes and human rights violations committed by communist regimes in the 20th century.

What is the Platform of European Memory and Conscience?

The Platform of European Memory and Conscience is an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to documenting the history of totalitarian regimes, raising awareness of their crimes against humanity, and commemorating their victims across Europe. Lars Lindblad served as its President from 2011.

What are Lars Lindblad's key areas of advocacy?

Lars Lindblad is internationally known for his work promoting democracy and human rights, his advocacy for a more humane refugee and migration policy, and his specific efforts to ensure international condemnation of the crimes committed by totalitarian communist regimes.

What political party does Lars Göran Axel Lindblad belong to?

He is a member of the Moderate Party (Moderaterna), which is a major centre-right political party in Sweden.