Swedish Riksdag

Swedish Riksdag
Name	Riksdag
Native name	Sveriges riksdag
Legislature	Parliament of Sweden
House type	Unicameral
Foundation	22 December 1866
Preceded by	Riksdag of the Estates
Leader1 type	Speaker of the Riksdag
Leader1	Andreas Norlén
Election1	24 September 2018
Leader2 type	First Deputy Speaker
Leader2	Kenneth G. Forslund
Election2	26 September 2022
Leader3 type	Second Deputy Speaker
Leader3	Julia Kronlid
Election3	26 September 2022
Leader4 type	Third Deputy Speaker
Leader4	Kerstin Lundgren
Election4	26 September 2022
Members	349
Political groups1	Government (103), S (107), Opposition (236), M (68), SD (73), C (24), V (24), KD (19), L (16), MP (18)
Last election1	11 September 2022
Next election1	13 September 2026
Meeting place	Riksdag building, Helgeandsholmen, Stockholm
Website	www.riksdagen.se

Swedish Riksdag. The national legislature of Sweden, it is a unicameral assembly with 349 members. It holds the supreme legislative authority in the country, enacting laws, approving the state budget, and scrutinizing the work of the Government of Sweden. The Riksdag meets in the Riksdag building on the island of Helgeandsholmen in central Stockholm.

History

The origins of the Riksdag trace back to the medieval Riksdag of the Estates, a feudal assembly representing the clergy, nobility, burghers, and peasantry. A pivotal reform in 1866 abolished this system, establishing a modern bicameral legislature. This body played a crucial role during the Union between Sweden and Norway and oversaw Sweden's transition to a parliamentary system in the early 20th century. Further constitutional reforms, particularly the Instrument of Government (1974), transformed it into its current unicameral form, solidifying its role alongside the Monarchy of Sweden. Key historical sessions have addressed events like the assassination of Olof Palme and debates over membership in the European Union.

Functions and powers

The Riksdag's primary function is to enact legislation, covering all areas except those delegated to the Government of Sweden or local authorities like Stockholm Municipality. It holds exclusive power to levy taxes and adopt the annual state budget, a process detailed in the Swedish Fiscal Policy Framework. It ratifies significant international treaties, such as those with NATO or the European Union, and can amend the Constitution of Sweden. The assembly appoints key officials including the Parliamentary Ombudsmen and auditors from the Swedish National Audit Office. It also has the power to declare war and peace, a authority last considered during the Winter War.

Composition and elections

The Riksdag is composed of 349 members, known as riksdagsledamöter, elected for a four-year term. Elections are governed by the Swedish Election Authority using a system of proportional representation within multi-member constituencies. The entire country forms a single electoral district to ensure national proportionality, with a four percent threshold for party representation. Notable general elections include the 1976 election and the 2022 Swedish general election. Seats are allocated using a modified Sainte-Laguë method, and all citizens of Sweden who are at least 18 years old on election day are eligible to vote.

Organization and leadership

The work of the Riksdag is led by the Speaker of the Riksdag, an office held by Andreas Norlén, and three Deputy Speakers. The Speaker presides over deliberations and represents the Riksdag internationally, including at events like the Nobel Prize ceremony. Legislative work is conducted in fifteen specialized standing committees, such as the Committee on Finance and the Committee on the Constitution. The Riksdag Board handles administrative affairs, while the Riksdag Library provides research support. Daily operations are managed by the Riksdag Administration, located within the Riksdag building complex.

Political parties and coalitions

Multiple political parties are represented, typically requiring coalition or collaboration to form a government. Major parties include the Swedish Social Democratic Party, the Moderate Party, and the Sweden Democrats. Other significant groups are the Centre Party (Sweden), the Left Party (Sweden), the Christian Democrats (Sweden), the Liberals (Sweden), and the Green Party (Sweden). Historical alliances like the Alliance (Sweden) and the January Agreement have shaped governance. The current distribution stems from the 2022 Swedish general election, which led to the formation of the Ulf Kristersson Cabinet supported by the Sweden Democrats and the Christian Democrats (Sweden).

Relationship with the Government

The Riksdag holds the Government of Sweden accountable through mechanisms like interpellations and questions to ministers such as the Minister for Finance. It elects the Prime Minister of Sweden, currently Ulf Kristersson, who then appoints other members of the Swedish Cabinet. A government can be removed through a vote of no confidence, as seen during the 2014 Swedish government crisis. Ministers, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs, regularly report to parliamentary committees. The Committee on the Constitution has a special role in examining government ministers' actions, ensuring adherence to the Instrument of Government (1974).

Category:National legislatures Category:Politics of Sweden Category:Government of Sweden