Kärnkravet

Kärnkravet, literally "the core requirement," is a term used in Swedish political and organizational discourse to describe a non-negotiable demand or central policy condition that a party or actor considers indispensable in negotiations or decision-making. The word combines kärn- (core, essential) with krav (requirement or demand). It is employed across settings such as party negotiations, coalition agreements, labor contracts, and diplomatic talks to signal a priority that must be met for a deal to be acceptable.

In practice, a kärnkrav functions as a benchmark or guiding principle. Proposals that satisfy the kärnkrav are viewed as acceptable or non-negotiable in their essential aspect, while other terms may be subject to compromise. The concept can provide leverage in bargaining but also risks producing deadlock if framed as an absolute, leaving little room for flexibility or iterative bargaining.

Examples are often hypothetical in explanatory contexts. For instance, in a multi-party government formation, one party might declare a kärnkrav of sustained funding for education, while allowing negotiable positions on immigration or tax policy. In labor negotiations, a union might set a kärnkrav of guaranteed wage growth, with other working conditions negotiable.

Critics warn that overuse or rigid application of kärnkrav can hinder consensus and obscure longer-term strategic goals. The term remains a descriptive label rather than a formal process term, varying in meaning across different political cultures and situations. See also negotiation theory, non-negotiables, and consensus-building.