HANSSON Per Albin (Hansson Per Albin)

(1885-1946)
Born October 28, 1885 in Fosi near Malmo. In 1903 joined the Social Democratic Youth League, then the Social Democratic Labor Party. In 1917 became chief editor of the newspaper organ of Social-Democrats 'Social Democracy' ( 'Social-Demokraten'), and the following year was elected to the Riksdag. In 1920 - Minister of Defense of the Social-democratic government, held the post in 1920-1925 and 1925-1926. In 1925, after the death of J. Branting, became chairman of the Social-Democrats. In 1932, became prime minister, held the post (with a brief interruption in 1936) before the end of life.
In 1932-1939 maintained a policy of disarmament and cooperation in the framework of the League of Nations, in 1939 began to prepare for defensive action. Maintaining neutrality was not an easy task, but Hansson was able to preserve the independence of Sweden during World War II. In 1945 the Social Democrats formed a single-party government. Died Hansson in Stockholm on Oct. 5, 1946.