Olof Palme was deservedly considered one of the most influential politicians both in his native Sweden and abroad. He was repeatedly invited to resolve controversial and conflict situations. Palme's activities attracted the attention of not only his friends, but also enemies. The politician's career tragically ended in 1986.
Facts from the biography of Olof Palme
Olof Palme was born in Stockholm in 1927. His father was successfully engaged in business, his mother ran a household. She was responsible for raising four children. When Olof was only five years old, his father was gone. After the death of his father, it was necessary to save on everything, so the mother did not send Olof to school, but taught him herself.
From a young age, Palme was distinguished by an excellent memory. He quickly mastered English and German. So that the son could receive a document on education, the mother assigned him to a humanitarian school. After graduating from it, Olof effortlessly entered Stockholm University.
First steps in politics
Until 1945, Palme lived in Stockholm. The war did not allow him to study abroad. At the end of the war, Palme went to study in the United States, at Kenyon College, at the Faculty of History. Three years later, the young Ph. D. returned to Sweden. Attempts to find a job in their specialty were unsuccessful. Palme decided to continue his studies. He entered the law faculty of Stockholm University. Having received a bachelor's degree, Olof was able to start his own business in the field of jurisprudence. During his studies, Palme met the Social Democrats. He soon became the head of a democratic student organization.
After graduating from university, Olof Palme travels a lot in Europe. Its goal is to restore relations between European countries, which were destroyed by the war. The young man's political interests expand, humanistic views begin to form in him.
Olof becomes a fighter against colonialism, has a negative attitude towards any oppression. He lectures at universities in Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Burma and Thailand. The popularity of the young politician grew. When Palme returned from his trips to his homeland, he was offered a professor position at the capital's university. However, he turned down this flattering offer: he dreamed of the post of prime minister.
Work in government
After a while, Palme became secretary to the country's prime minister. In 1953 he was appointed youth advisor. This position allowed him to frequently attend government meetings. Working with youth associations, Palme travels a lot. During one such trip, he met his future wife. Lisbeth and Olof had two children. The politician's wife was a child psychologist.
In 1957, Palme became a member of the Swedish parliament. After some time, he received the post of Minister of Communications and Transport. He did an excellent job with his duties and soon became the head of the Ministry of Education and Culture. In 1965, Olof sharply criticized the United States, assessing America's military action in Vietnam.
In 1969, Olof Palme won the elections and became Prime Minister of Sweden. The reforms conceived by him caused discontent among the opposition, but received support from the population of the country. However, after five years, he lost his high post. Palme at this time is actively involved in peacemaking, lectures. An authoritative politician has been sent to hot spots more than once to participate in conflict resolution.
Tragic death
In 1982, the politician again headed the Swedish government. He continued the policy of social transformations, worked to overcome social inequality. Palme's activities aroused hatred among his opponents.
On February 28, 1986, Palme, together with his wife, was returning home from the cinema without protection. At one of the intersections, a stranger caught up with him, who shot Palma in the back and seriously wounded his wife. The politician died on the spot. The police failed to find the perpetrator of this apparently contract-based murder.
After the death of Palme, a Memorial Fund named after him was created. Each year, this organization awards personal scholarships to those involved in human rights and peacekeeping activities.
