Försvarsministern som försvarade sin ståndpunkt - en analys av försvarsminister Mikael Odenbergs avgång
LoyaltyExitProtestDecision-makingConflicting loyaltiesPolitical and administrative sciencesStatsvetenskapFörvaltningskunskapLaw and Political Science
Political exit from governments is an unusual phenomenon within Swedish politics. The purpose of this essay is, from an ethical perspective, to particularize, understand and analyze the actions of the Swedish minister of defence, Mikael Odenberg, in his decision to exit the government in September 2007. We will put light on the ethical conflict Odenberg apprehended, the courses of actions and finally his ability to solve the ethical dilemma. The conclusion is that the case of Odenberg involves several dimensions of the conflict, associated with a succession of different loyalties. Odenberg were in two minds whether to act up to his own conviction or be in sympathy with the government. After a couple of unsuccessful strategies of action, Odenberg came to an end when he did an exit during protest.