Sweden has a history of encouraging plain language use in government. As early as 1986, the Law of Administration (1986:223, article 7) required government authorities to express themselves in a comprehensible manner. Additionally, the Government Authorities and Agencies Ordinance (1995:1322, article 7) stipulated that director-generals ensure plain Swedish is used in official documents.
In 2024, Sweden introduced further measures to enforce the use of plain language across all public administration. This new law is part of ongoing efforts by the Plain Swedish Group, which has been active in promoting clear communication since its establishment by the government in 1993. The group provides guidelines, organizes conferences, and evaluates the comprehensibility of government texts to ensure they are user-friendly.
The main goal of this law is to enhance transparency and accessibility in government communications, making it easier for citizens to understand and engage with administrative processes. This is seen as a crucial step in ensuring democratic access and efficiency in public administration.
By ensuring clear communication, Sweden aims to eliminate barriers that complex administrative language can create, thereby promoting greater public participation and trust in government processes.
For more detailed information, you can refer to resources from the Plain Language website and related publications on the topic.