1 Sweden has been run by coalitions since the 1970s.
2 Germany has not known single-party government since 1961.
3 In Italy, multiparty rule has been the norm since the early 1940s.
4 The Netherlands was last run by just one party in 1879.
5 In France, there have not been coalition governments for many years.
6 That is largely a consequence of a two-round electoral system that normally produces single-party majorities without the need for cross-party coalition-building.
7 The electoral system came about in response to the political chaos of the Fourth Republic.
8 Between 1946 and 1958, there were no fewer than 21 “revolving door” governments along with 16 prime ministers, some of whom lasted only days in office.
*first published in: Theglobalist.com
By: N. Peter Kramer
