This paper will use the Leadership Capital Index to develop and compare case studies of two Swedish coalition leaders, Carl Bildt (1991-1994) and Fredrik Reinfeldt (2006 - ). Mr. Bildt and Mr. Reinfeldt represent the Moderates, a Centre-right party, which has been the second largest party, behind the long-dominant Social Democrats, since the 1970s. The two leaders faced similar political problems, but with very different outcomes. Their respective coalition included three additional parties, challenging their relational skills, and both wrestled with the dilemma of having a right wing Populist Party that had control of the balance of power in the Swedish parliament, the Riksdag. Adding to the similarities is that they were confronted with economic crises during their incumbencies. While Mr. Bildt, however, only lasted one term in office, Mr. Reinfeldt has managed to secure two consecutive terms for his coalition (although losing his majority in 2010), a unique achievement in a country that has been dominated by Social Democratic governments. The paper aims to strengthen the operationalization of the LCI by adding two comparative cases and systemic factors to the analysis, such as type of government and parliamentary balance of power. The case studies will further clarify the relative importance of the leaders’ management of Populist Party influence as well as crisis management.
