What is happening with freedom of expression?
Time to act!
Why a House of Democracy?
Because it is needed. Democracy and freedom of expression are under threat across the world — and the negative trend is accelerating rapidly. Demokratiska – the House of Democracy is an initiative to strengthen democracy and freedom of expression for future generations. A unique centre will be built in Karlstad, with the ambition to become a destination of international reputation.
30 years
of democratic progress have been erased.
– Democracy Index
11 → 5 %
decline in the share of the world’s population living in democratic countries 2005→2025.
– V-Dem, University of Gothenburg
6,6 %
of the world’s population lives in a full democracy.
– EIU 2024 Democracy Index report
70 %
of the world’s population lives under authoritarian rule.
– V-Dem Institute
23 %
of young people in Sweden feel they have the opportunity to influence society.
– Youth Barometer 2025
503 st
journalists imprisoned for their work in support of free journalism.
– Reporters Without Borders
What does our mission look like?
Demokratiska’s mission rests on three pillars:
Knowledge
Education and research are vital tools for creating understanding and finding ways forward.
Dialogue
With meetings and opportunities for co-creation, commitment and participation become stronger.
Inspiration
Culture in many different forms, together with workshops and test labs, inspires new ideas.
Our Manifesto
Democracy is under threat on a global scale.
70 percent of the world’s population lives under authoritarian rule. Anti-democratic forces create contradictions in society and promote a black-and-white view of reality. This is evident even in Sweden, historically one of the most democratic countries in the world.
In a democracy, everyone should have the opportunity to express their opinions openly in speech and writing. So let us take a joint initiative for an open democratic society and freedom of expression.
Let’s do it in a bold way that creates international reputation, while strengthening both our region and our shared society.
We want to create a physical place for meetings and learning in the service of democracy. A place for meaningful dialogue. A place for hope and a brighter future here in Karlstad – as a tribute to the site of the peaceful dissolution of the union between Sweden and Norway in 1905.
The Erna Group and its owner family, as initiators, want to do their bit in the name of freedom of expression. But for dreams and hopes to become reality, broad participation and commitment are required.
Together, we will be a positive force for democracy.
What activities would you like to see at Demokratiska?
Demokratiska will be a hub for knowledge and dialogue, featuring everything from democracy labs to exhibitions and a café. We already have many ideas about how the building could be used, but we are keen to hear yours.
Permanent activities
These might include media and democracy labs, meeting spaces and a welcoming café. What else should have a permanent place at Demokratiska?
Temporary activities
Various forms of culture, exhibitions and lectures seem obvious. Do you have any other thoughts about what guest performances you would like to see at Demokratiska?
Your ideas
At this stage, no idea is too small, or too ambitious. We are exploring and are curious to hear your thoughts on what could belong in the House of Democracy.
Submit your ideas