Former Swedish Foreign Minister Margaretha af Ugglas Dies at 87

Margaretha af Ugglas, a prominent figure in Swedish politics, passed away on May 10 at the age of 87. She served as Sweden’s foreign minister from 1991 to 1994 within a center-right government and was notable for being the first leader of the Moderate Party group in the European Parliament.

Before her influential political career, af Ugglas was an economist and a journalist, notably working as an editorial writer for Svenska Dagbladet. Her political journey began at the local level in the Stockholm County Council, before she became a member of the Swedish Parliament from 1974 until 1995.

Af Ugglas was also recognized for her contributions to the business sector. She was the sister of the renowned financier Jan Stenbeck and held board positions in major corporations such as Kinnevik and Swedish Match, highlighting her significant role beyond politics.

Her tenure as foreign minister marked an important period in Swedish diplomacy, and her leadership in the European Parliament set a precedent for the Moderate Party's presence in EU politics.

Reflecting on her legacy, her diverse career spanning economics, journalism, politics, and business underscores her impact across multiple spheres in Sweden. As reported by both SVT and Svenska Dagbladet, her passing marks the loss of a distinctly multifaceted and influential Swedish public figure.