Alf Svensson (politician)

Alf Svensson (born October 1, 1938, in Mullsjö, Sweden) is a Swedish politician. He served as the leader of the Christian Democrats (Swedish: Kristdemokraterna) from 1973 to 2004, making him the longest-serving party leader in the party's history.

Svensson was a Member of Parliament (Riksdagsledamot) from 1985 to 2005. Prior to entering national politics, he worked as a schoolteacher.

As party leader, Svensson oversaw the Christian Democrats' entry into the Riksdag in 1985 and their subsequent growth into a significant political force. He is generally credited with professionalizing the party and increasing its appeal to a wider electorate. He played a key role in the formation of several coalition governments during his time in parliament.

Svensson is known for his strong Christian values and his advocacy for policies related to family, ethics, and social welfare. He has also been a vocal proponent of Swedish membership in the European Union, a position which sometimes caused internal tensions within his party.

After retiring as party leader in 2004, Svensson continued to be involved in public debate and has written several books and articles on political and social issues. He remains a respected figure within the Christian Democrat movement and in Swedish politics more broadly.