Gillis Bildt

Baron Didrik Anders Gillis Bildt (16 October 1820 – 22 October 1894) was a Swedish politician and military officer who served as Prime Minister of Sweden from 1888 to 1889. As widely respected general, he was appointed head of government by King Oscar II during a tense political deadlock regarding protectionist tariff policy. He is the great-great-grandfather of Carl Bildt, prime minister from 1991 to 1994.

Family

Gillis Bildt was born on 16 October 1820 in Gothenburg, Sweden, a son of Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Fredrik Bildt and his wife Christina Elisabeth Fröding. His father died seven years later, in 1827.

In 1848 Gillis married Lucile Rosalie Dufva. They had three children: Adéle Elisabeth Bildt (1849–1914), Carl Nils Daniel Bildt (1850–1931), and Knut Gillis Bildt (1854–1927).

Bildt's great-great-grandson Carl Bildt (born 1949) became Prime Minister of Sweden (1991–1994)

A major issue for Bildt was campaigning in defence of the railways, particularly routes he considered of military and commercial value to Stockholm. He garnered support throughout the city – in the Riksdag, City Council, stock exchange and among the citizens. He was also a shareholder and board member in the company seeking to operate a railway between Stockholm and the Vestmanland mines.

Agriculture was another subject close to his heart. In 1850 he had called it "our country's mightiest interest". More diplomatic was his statement in 1869: (related term: Prussian Junkers).

Bildt spoke out on social policy issues. One was the development of health care services. Another concerned the inadequate schooling for women. "It is an established fact", he declared in a speech in 1859, "that the development of our nation depends on the education of women".

His (re-)appointment in 1887 to the Upper House by the protectionist representatives on the Stockholm City Council was against the wishes of King Oscar II. The king did not want a close friend of the royal family involved in party politics and opposing the incumbent pro free-trade government. Bildt promised the king not to represent a political party and remained an independent conservative. However Bildt did participate in meetings with the protectionist group in the House. Bildt himself was moderately protectionist.

Ambassador As Swedish ambassador in Germany 1874–1886, Bildt strengthened ties between Sweden and the new German Empire, negotiating bilateral agreements on matters such as post, telegraph, extradition and sailors.

Bildt's achievements during his rise to the premiership stand out more than his time at the top. After his years abroad, the aging Bildt was considered out of touch with the political momentum of the time.

Bildt resigned on 12 October 1889, after 20 months in office. The reasons for his resignation are said to be: His protectionist system had been established.