Krister Wickman
Krister Wickman | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Stockholm, Sweden |
| Died | September 10, 1993 (aged 69) |
| Occupation(s) | Economist, politician |
| Years active | 1951–1976 |
| Known for | Minister of Industry (1969–1971), Minister for Foreign Affairs (1971–1973), Governor of Sveriges Riksbank (1973–1976) |
Hans Krister Wickman (13 April 1924 – 10 September 1993) was a prominent Swedish economist and political figure. Affiliated with the Social Democratic Party, he held the position of minister of industry between 1969 and 1971, followed by serving as foreign minister from 1971 until 1973. Subsequently, he was appointed governor of Sveriges Riksbank from 1973 to 1976.
Biography
Born to Johannes Wickman (1882–1957), a journalist and editor at Dagens Nyheter, and Hervor Mellgren, Wickman pursued higher education culminating in a Candidate of Law degree in 1948 and a licentiate in economics in 1953. His academic background also included studies in classical languages and philosophy. Beginning in 1951, he was employed at the National Institute of Economic Research. Between 1959 and 1967, he served as secretary of state within the Ministry of Finance before his appointment as minister without portfolio. From 1963 to 1967, Wickman chaired the Swedish Film Institute, earning a Special Achievement award at the 4th Guldbagge Awards in 1967.
During his tenure as minister of industry (1969–1971), Wickman concentrated on shaping industrial policy. He then transitioned to the role of foreign minister in 1971, where he played a key role in reestablishing diplomatic ties with Greece following the 1967 coup. He also negotiated a free trade agreement with the European Economic Community. Alongside Prime Minister Olof Palme, he publicly opposed US military involvement in Vietnam, which contributed to tensions between Sweden and the United States during the early 1970s. His period in office was characterized by an emphasis on international cooperation, peace initiatives, and adherence to international law within Swedish foreign affairs.
Following his departure from ministerial duties in 1973, Wickman took on the governorship of Sveriges Riksbank, a post he held until 1976.
Honors
- Inducted as a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences in 1975