On February 28, 1986, Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme was assassinated while walking home from a movie theatre with his wife in central Stockholm. The murder shocked Sweden, a nation unaccustomed to political violence, and remains one of the most notorious unsolved crimes in modern European history.
Palme, a charismatic and controversial leader, had served as Prime Minister for two periods: 1969-1976 and 1982-1986. He was known for his outspoken criticism of superpowers, his strong anti-apartheid stance, and his vision of democratic socialism. Walking without bodyguards – something he insisted upon – Palme was shot in the back at close range at the corner of Sveavägen and Tunnelgatan. His wife, Lisbet Palme, was slightly wounded in the attack.
The assassination triggered Sweden’s largest criminal investigation ever. Despite thousands of interviews and countless leads, the case remained officially unsolved for decades. The investigation was plagued by missteps, including contamination of the crime scene and failure to secure crucial evidence. Various theories emerged, attributing the murder to Kurdish separatists, South African intelligence services, Yugoslav security forces, or right-wing extremists within Sweden.
In 2020, Swedish prosecutors named Stig Engström, known as “Skandia Man” because he worked at the nearby Skandia insurance company, as the likely assassin. However, since Engström died by suicide in 2000, this conclusion brought little closure to many Swedes, and doubts about his guilt persist.
The murder fundamentally changed Sweden. The nation lost its political innocence and sense of security. Palme’s assassination marked a turning point in Swedish society, transforming it from a place where politicians could walk freely among citizens to one where security concerns became paramount. The open nature of Swedish society was forever altered.
Decades later, the case continues to fascinate and frustrate. Books, documentaries, and podcasts regularly revisit the murder, examining new theories and evidence. For many Swedes, particularly those who lived through that era, the unresolved questions surrounding Palme’s death represent a collective trauma.
Palme’s legacy as a political leader transcends his violent end. His passionate advocacy for social democracy, international solidarity, and nuclear disarmament continues to influence Swedish politics and global progressive movements. Yet the mystery of who killed him and why remains an indelible stain on Sweden’s modern history – a grim reminder that even the most open and peaceful societies are not immune to political violence.
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