Council of State (Norway)

Council of State (Norway). The Council of State, known in Norwegian as *Statsrådet*, is the formal executive council of the Kingdom of Norway, constitutionally chaired by the Monarch. It comprises the Prime Minister and other ministers of the Government of Norway, who are collectively responsible for advising the Monarch and implementing government decisions. Its existence and functions are enshrined in the Constitution of Norway, with its modern operations central to the parliamentary system of governance.

History

The Council of State was formally established by the Constitution of Norway, signed at Eidsvoll in 1814 following the Napoleonic Wars and the dissolution of the union with Denmark. Its structure was influenced by earlier governing councils like the Norwegian Council of the Realm and traditions from the Kalmar Union. Throughout the 19th century, its role evolved during the Swedish-Norwegian Union, with significant power struggles between the Storting and the Swedish King. The pivotal year of 1884, marked by the impeachment trial known as the Statsrådssaken, established the principle of parliamentarism in Norway, making the Council answerable to the Storting. Subsequent milestones include its role during the German occupation of Norway in World War II, when the Nygaardsvold's Cabinet operated in exile from London, and its adaptation to Norway's membership in international bodies like NATO and the European Economic Area.

Composition and appointment

The Council is composed of the Monarch and all appointed government ministers, led by the Prime Minister. Following a general election, the Monarch appoints a Prime Minister, typically the leader of the party or coalition commanding a majority in the Storting, in consultation with the President of the Storting. The Prime Minister then nominates other ministers, who are formally appointed by the Monarch in a Council of State meeting. Ministers usually head specific government ministries, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ministry of Finance. All members must be eligible for election to the Storting, and while most are sitting members, they are not required to be.

Functions and powers

The Council's primary function is to formally advise the Monarch on state matters, as the Monarch's decisions require the countersignature of the Prime Minister or the relevant minister, embodying the principle of ministerial responsibility. It holds executive authority to implement laws passed by the Storting and to issue regulations. The Council also prepares matters for the Monarch's formal sanction, including royal resolutions on new legislation, international treaties like those with the European Union, and high-level appointments such as County Governors, Bishops in the Church of Norway, and officers in the Norwegian Armed Forces. Furthermore, it serves as the supreme appellate body for administrative decisions, a role exercised through the Norwegian Appellate Committee.

Meetings and procedures

Meetings are traditionally held every Friday at the Royal Palace, Oslo, presided over by the Monarch, though in the Monarch's absence, the Prime Minister chairs the session. A typical agenda includes formal approvals of government decisions, such as legislative proposals to be sent to the Storting, new regulations, and state appointments. Proceedings are prepared by the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Justice, with a formal record kept by the Secretary to the Council of State. All decisions are made collectively, and discussions are confidential to ensure free deliberation, a principle upheld since the Statsrådssaken.

Relationship with other institutions

The Council's relationship with the Storting is fundamental, as it governs only as long as it retains the confidence of the parliamentary majority, a cornerstone of Norwegian parliamentarism. It presents its policy platform in the State of the Realm Address and is held accountable through mechanisms like question time and investigations by the Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs. While the Monarch presides over the Council, royal acts are ceremonial and require ministerial countersignature, a convention solidified after 1884. The Council also interacts with the Judiciary of Norway, particularly the Supreme Court of Norway, which can review the constitutionality of its regulations, and with subnational authorities like the Viken County Council. Internationally, it directs Norway's participation in organizations such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.

Category:Government of Norway Category:Cabinets of Norway Category:1814 establishments in Norway