Sweden reduces support for local democracy amid global decline
The government's decision to end support for ICLD is part of the restructuring of Swedish aid that has affected several organizations active in international development cooperation. The minister responsible is Minister for Development Cooperation and Trade Benjamin Dousa. Image: Collage. Portrait of Kristian Pohl/Government Office
Of: Alexa Fagerberg
The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKR) is critical of the announcement that the government is ending support for the International Center for Local Democracy (ICLD).
February 18, 2026, News, Sweden 2026