The Swedish government has announced plans to develop a 'cultural canon', a collection of works deemed representative or important to Swedish culture.

The proposal has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it could lead to authoritarianism.

The committee, led by historian Lars Trägårdh, will select experts to shape the canon and the public will be invited to suggest works for inclusion.

The project has been a long-standing goal of the Sweden Democrats party, who argue it will recognize and celebrate Swedish culture.

However, opponents suggest it's a distraction from more pressing cultural issues, such as the decline in literacy rates and cuts to cultural programs.