Yes, that showed good manners. Just like President Bush when he commends PM Reinfeldt on his “strong leadership”.
Few serious commentators would call Reinfeldt’s first 10 months in office a show of leadership, let alone strong.
But, that’s what we’ve got. Better than the old socialist who is now going to make his fortune as a lobbyist, but just not good enough.
Sweden hasn’t had a strong national leader since Charles XII ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_XII_of_Sweden )
died at Halden in 1718.
At best we’ve enjoyed decent administrators.
I too prefer Reinfeldt to Persson, but I also think Persson was a blessing compared to the kind of PM Sahlin would make.
Knock on wood.
I guess you agree that in our country, you don’t need to be a true leader to become a successful politician. Swedish governments consist of administrators. As long as the economy is growing and ordinary families own a Volvo and a nice house and there’s a familiar, benevolent smile on a TV screen in their living room, most people are, more or less, satisfied.