Politics of Åland

Politics of the Åland Islands (Swedish: Ålands politik) take place within a parliamentary system of representative democracy. Åland is an autonomous, demilitarised, and unilingually Swedish-speaking region of Finland. Executive power is exercised by the Lantråd (premier), who leads the Government of Åland (Landskapsregering) under the supervision of the Parliament of Åland (Lagting).

The political framework is defined by the Act on Åland Autonomy and international agreements, which guarantee Åland’s autonomy and demilitarised status. The autonomous government handles responsibilities similar to those of Finland’s regional councils.

History

In 1634, Åland was incorporated into Åbo and Björneborg County as part of administrative reforms initiated by Count Axel Oxenstierna. In 1809, Sweden ceded Finland, including Åland, to the Russian Empire following the Napoleonic Wars. When Finland declared independence in 1917, Åland became part of the new Finnish state.

During the Finnish Civil War in 1918, Russian troops remained on the islands, causing unrest. In response, Sweden occupied the territory, and 7,135 residents (from a total population of around 22,500) signed a petition requesting union with Sweden. German forces also intervened during this period. Finnish media discussed a possible territorial exchange—Åland to Sweden in return for parts of Norrbotten and Västerbotten—but Sweden rejected the proposal.

In 1921, the issue was brought before the League of Nations, which ruled that Åland would remain under Finnish sovereignty. However, the League also mandated protections for the Swedish language, the continuation of demilitarisation, and the granting of autonomy in peacetime.^[1]

Autonomy

Åland has its own flag, has issued postage stamps since 1984, maintains a local police force, and is represented in the Nordic Council. Male residents are exempt from conscription. Parliamentarism has been the custom since 1988.

Although Åland remains under Finnish sovereignty, it exercises extensive self-government and elects one representative to the Parliament of Finland. Since the 1920s, the central political issue has been the preservation and development of autonomy.^[2]

Executive branch

The Parliament of Åland building

In addition to the autonomous Government of Åland (Ålands landskapsregering), the Government of Finland is represented by the State Department of Åland (Statens ämbetsverk på Åland). It is headed by the Governor of Åland (currently Peter Lindbäck) and performs national administrative functions in the territory.

Legislative branch

The Parliament of Åland (Lagtinget, meaning "law assembly") is a unicameral legislature with 30 members, elected every four years by proportional representation.

Political parties and elections

Until the late 1970s, Ålandic politics were dominated by prominent individuals. A structured party system developed later. Major political parties since 1979 include:

• Åland Social Democrats
• Åland Centre
• Liberals for Åland
• Moderates of Åland

The political left is relatively weak compared to other Nordic regions.^[2]

Main article: List of political parties in Åland

Main article: Elections in Åland

Local government

Åland is divided into 16 municipalities (kommuner). These local governments manage services such as education, healthcare, planning, and infrastructure.

See also

• Politics of Finland
• Ting
• Swedish Assembly of Finland (Folktinget)