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The Sweden Palme inherits is a booming nation of 7,950,000, whose per capita income ($3,040 in 1967) is second only to the U.S. (with $4,040). Financed by the world's highest taxes, the Swedish welfare system is paying out handsomely and the economy is thriving. Palme disclaims any intention of making drastic changes. "I've got no ambition to stir things up," he said. "But this is not a millpond. It's a society with a lot of problems ahead." With general elections coming up next year, Palme almost certainly will maneuver cautiously at first. Implying that Palme in power would be more cautious than Palme in pursuit of power, he quoted an old proverb: "The soup will not be eaten as hot as it's cooked."
Over the long run, however, his goals are clear. "Social Democratic policy has been constantly turned toward the left," he said last week. Sweden has just announced a $40 million loan to North Viet Nam and granted asylum to eleven more antiwar G.I.'s, bringing the total now in Sweden to more than 300. In economic policy, while young Social Democratic radicals are now calling for bank nationalization, Palme is keeping his options open. In effect, he disclaims any intention of serving up scalding soup, but it might be just a bit warmer than before.