Hjalmar Branting Leader for the Soc.Dems: 1907-1925 Prime minister: 1920, 1921-23, 1924-25 Class background: "High Bourgeoisie" ~ lower upper (father was a principal, mother was noble) Notes: Same primary school as the king, spent his inheritance (a small fortune).
Per Albin Hansson Leader for the Soc.Dems: 1925-1946 Prime minister: 1932-1936, 1936-1946 Class background: Working class (father was a brick layer, mother was a domestic aid) Notes: Fabled for keeping his working class morals, according to one tale his wife returned govermental pencils after he died (he died while serving as prime minister).
Tage Erlander Leader for the Soc.Dems: 1946-1969 Prime minister: 1946-1969 Class background: Middle (father was a teacher, mother probably homemaker)
Olof Palme Leader for the Soc.Dems: 1969-1986 Prime minister: 1969-1976, 1982-1986 Class background: Upper (father was president of insurance company, mother noble) Notes: Hated among much of the swedish upper class as a class traitor. Only swedish prime minister to have been murdered.
Ingvar Carlsson Leader for the Soc.Dems: 1986-1996 Prime minister: 1986-1991, 1994-1996 Class background: Working class (single mother, textile worker)
Göran Persson Leader for the Soc.Dems: 1996-2007 Prime minister: 1996-2006 Class background: Working class (father, construction worker) Notes: Has made a much noted class journey and built his own mansion. Now well-paid consultant for private enterprise.
Mona Sahlin Leader for the Soc.Dems: 2007- Prime minister: Not yet Class background: Middle class
Of course, this is looking only at the person at the top, a thorough study would include at least the executive council of the soc. dem. party, but this comment has taken enough time as it is. A vote for PES is a vote for EPP! A vote for EPP is a vote for PES! Support the coalition, vote EPP-PES in 2009!