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Politics of the Åland Islands (Swedish:Ålands politik) take place within aparliamentary system ofrepresentative democracy.Åland is anautonomous, demilitarised, and unilingually Swedish-speaking region ofFinland. Executive power is exercised by theLantråd (premier), who leads theGovernment of Åland (Landskapsregering) under the supervision of theParliament of Åland (Lagting).
The political framework is defined by theAct on the Autonomy of Åland and international agreements, which guarantee Åland’s autonomy and demilitarised status. The autonomous government handles responsibilities similar to those of Finland’s regional councils.
In 1634, Åland was incorporated intoÅbo and Björneborg County as part of administrative reforms initiated by CountAxel Oxenstierna. In 1809, Sweden ceded Finland, including Åland, to theRussian Empire following theNapoleonic Wars. When Finland declared independence in 1917, Åland became part of the new Finnish state.
During theFinnish 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 ofNorrbotten andVästerbotten—but Sweden rejected the proposal.
In 1921, the issue was brought before theLeague 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]
Åland has its own flag, has issued postage stamps since 1984, maintains a local police force, and is represented in theNordic 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 theParliament of Finland. Since the 1920s, the central political issue has been the preservation and development of autonomy.[2]
In addition to the autonomous Government of Åland (Ålands landskapsregering), theGovernment of Finland is represented by theState Department of Åland (Statens ämbetsverk på Åland). It is headed by the Governor of Åland (currently Marine Holm-Johansson) and performs national administrative functions in the territory.
TheParliament of Åland (Lagtinget, meaning "law assembly") is a unicameral legislature with 30 members, elected every four years byproportional representation.
Until the late 1970s, Ålandic politics were dominated by prominent individuals. A structured party system developed later. Major political parties since 1979 include:
The political left is relatively weak compared to other Nordic regions.[2]
Åland is divided into 16municipalities (kommuner). These local governments manage services such as education, healthcare, planning, and infrastructure.
