We Want a Republic! A Comparative Analysis of Criticism of Monarchy in Denmark, Norway and Sweden

Abstract

Denmark, Norway and Sweden are Scandinavian monarchies. Although monarchs in Scandinavia and royal families are generally respected, they do draw criticism. This article examines the anti-monarchy arguments used by Scandinavian republicans – first, monarchy as an anti-democratic; second, as a despotic; third, as an antiquated mode of rule; and, finally, as an imposing a financial burden on the state. In the research two questions were posed: Do Danish, Norwegian and Swedish republicans share anti-monarchy arguments?; Do republicans, on the contrary, represent contrasting systems of values regarding monarchy? The hypothesis stipulates that Scandinavian republicans present very similar arguments, and that their rhetoric revolves around “discussing” rather than “taking action” to replace the monarch with a president. Study applies critical and comparative analysis and critical literature analysis to the sources, which include literature on the monarchy as well as anti- monarchists’ online sources and legal documents.