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Parliament name (generic / translated) Riksdagen / Parliament More photos  >>> Structure of parliament Unicameral Affiliation to the IPU Yes Affiliation date(s) 1890 - LEADERSHIP President Urban Ahlin (M)  Notes Elected on 29 Sep. 2014. Secretary General Kathrin Flossing (F)  Notes Elected on 4 Oct. 2010. COMPOSITION Members (statutory / current number) 349 / 349 PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN More statistics  >>> Women (current number) 152 (43.55%) Mode of designation directly elected 349 Term 4 years Last renewal dates 14 September 2014 (View details) CONTACT INFORMATION Address Riksdagen 100 12 STOCKHOLM (Export mailing lists) Phone (468) 786 40 00 Fax (468) 786 61 29 E-mail riksdagsinformation@riksdagen.se Website http://www.riksdagen.se

Parliament name (generic / translated) Riksdagen / Parliament Structure of parliament Unicameral LEGAL FRAMEWORK Electoral law 1 June 1997 Last amendment: 01.01.2006 Mode of designation directly elected 349 Constituencies - 29 multi-member constituencies for 310 members (2 to 34 seats each; the number of seats per constituency is revised at each election based on the number of eligible voters) - 1 other multi-member constituency for 39 "at large" seats Voting system Proportional: For 310 seats: - members are elected under the closed-party list system with preferential vote; - seats are proportionally distributed according to the modified Sainte-Laguë method; - to be awarded a seat, a party must obtain either at least 4 per cent of the votes cast throughout the country or 12 per cent of the votes cast in a constituency; - votes are cast for party lists, and electors may also express specific preferences for individual candidates. In such cases, the required threshold for election on the basis of personal votes is 8 per cent of the total cast for the candidate's party in the constituency concerned. For the 39 remaining ("at-large") seats: - the remaining seats are allotted by the system of full proportional representation based on the votes obtained nationwide; - to be awarded a seat, a party must obtain at least 4 per cent of the votes cast throughout the country. Vacancies arising between general elections are filled by a substitute member chosen at the same time as the elected member. Elections are held for all seats in Parliament on the normal expiry of the members' term of office (four years). They are held on the third Sunday in September of the election year. Voting is not compulsory. Voter requirements - age: at least 18 years old on election day - Swedish citizenship (including naturalized citizens) - there is no residence requirement - citizens overseas can vote under certain conditions: they must be on the special electoral roll, which includes citizens who have emigrated during the past ten years or who have notified the tax authorities of their wish to be on the electoral roll no later than 16 August of the election year (non-registered citizens may still be included in the electoral roll on condition that their ballot paper arrives before 14 September of the election year) - disqualifications: holders of temporary entry permits, undocumented immigrants CANDIDATES Eligibility - qualified electors - age: at least 18 years old on election day - Swedish citizenship (including naturalized citizens) - there is no residence requirement - citizens overseas are eligible under certain conditions (if they are on the special electoral roll mentioned under voter requirements) - ineligibilities: holders of temporary entry permits, undocumented immigrants Incompatibilities - ministers of State - speaker of the Parliament Although ministers and the speaker may not serve as members of parliament while in office, they may retain their seats, which are held by substitute members in the meantime. The ministers and the speaker may take up their parliamentary duties when they give up the posts mentioned above. Candidacy requirements - nomination by a registered political party - the names of the titular and substitute member must be submitted simultaneously

Parliament name (generic / translated) Riksdagen / Parliament Structure of parliament Unicameral BACKGROUND Dates of election / renewal (from/to) 14 September 2014 Timing and scope of renewal The Alliance, a coalition of centre-right parties led by outgoing Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, comprising his Moderate Party, the Liberal Party, the Centre Party and the Christian Democrats, took 141 of the 349 seats at stake, down from 173 in 2010. The three main parties on the left - the Social Democratic Party (SAP), the Left Party and the Green Party - took a total of 159 seats. Prime Minister Reinfeldt conceded defeat and resigned as leader of the Moderate Party. Meanwhile, the populist Sweden Democrats party (SD) more than doubled its share from 20 to 49 seats. On 18 September Speaker Per Westerberg tasked SAP leader Mr. Stefan with forming a new government. On 3 October, the latter formed a minority government comprising the SAP and the Green Party under his premiership. During the election campaign, Prime Minister Reinfeldt ran on the government's record, stating that the Swedish economy was doing better than its European counterparts. He promised to invest more in education and to increase the workforce by 350,000 by 2020. SAP leader Lofven said the centre-right government was undermining the Welfare State because of a series of tax reductions. SAP promised to create more jobs and increase taxes on banks, so as to invest more in nurseries and kindergartens while also reducing taxes for pensioners. SD leader Jimmie Akesson did not put as much focus on immigration as in previous elections. SD promised to increase spending on employment and healthcare and to provide free medical care for people over 85 years old. Date of previous elections: 19 September 2010 Date of dissolution of the outgoing legislature: 29 Septebmer 2014 Timing of election: Upon normal expiry Expected date of next elections: September 2018 Number of seats at stake: 349 (full renewal) Number of candidates: 5,901 (3,233 men, 2,668 women) Percentage of women candidates: 45.2% Number of parties contesting the election: 34 Number of parties winning seats: 8 Alternation of power: Yes Number of parties in government: 2 Names of parties in government: Social Democratic Party and Green Party Date of the first session of the new parliament: 29 September 2014 Name of the new Speaker: Mr. Urban Ahlin (Social Democratic Party) STATISTICS Voter turnout Round no 1 14 September 2014 Number of registered electors Voters Blank or invalid ballot papers Valid votes 7'330'432 6'290'016 (85.81%) Notes Distribution of votes Round no 1 Political group Candidates Votes % of votes Social Democratic Party (SAP) Moderate Party (M) Sweden Democrats (SD) Green Party (Mpg) Centre Party (CP) Left Party (VP) Liberal Party (FP) Christian Democrats (KD) Distribution of seats Round no 1 Political Group Total of seats Social Democratic Party (SAP) 113 Moderate Party (M) 84 Sweden Democrats (SD) 49 Green Party (Mpg) 25 Centre Party (CP) 22 Left Party (VP) 21 Liberal Party (FP) 19 Christian Democrats (KD) 16 Distribution of seats according to sex Men Women Percent of women 197 152 43.55% Distribution of seats according to age Distribution of seats according to profession Comments Note on the number of women: 152 women were elected in the September 2014 elections. The number of women increased to 156 after the formation of the Government on 30 September 2014. Sources: Parliament (13.11.2014, 01.01.2015, 24.03.2017) http://www.val.se/val/val2014/slutresultat/R/rike/index.html http://www.riksdagen.se/en/Home/News/The-new-Riksdag-after-the-election/ http://www.val.se/val/val2014/valnatt/R/rike/index.html

Parliament name (generic / translated) Riksdagen / Parliament Structure of parliament Unicameral APPOINTMENT AND TERM OF OFFICE Title Speaker of the Riksdag Term - duration: 4 years (term of House) - reasons for interruption of the term: resignation, death Appointment - elected by all Members of the Riksdag - election is held at the first meeting of the new session - election is held after the Members ' mandate are validated Eligibility - any Member may be candidate - candidates are usually nominated by the group leaders at the meeting before the election Voting system - election is held by acclamation unless a Member asks for a formal vote by secret ballot - if a vote is held, absolute majority is required in the first two rounds and simple majority in the third round - no more than 3 rounds can be held and the third round is held between the two candidates having received the greatest number of votes in the second round Procedures / results - the most senior MP presides over the Riksdag during the voting - 5 MPs supervise the voting and the Secretary General counts the votes - the most senior MP announces the results without any delay - the results can be challenged by the Election Review Committee STATUS Status - the Speaker shall serve as temporary Regent when no other competent person in the Royal family can serve - represents the Riksdag with the public authorities together with the Secretary General and the administrative Director - is ex officio member of the Board of the National Day - is ex officio President of the Speaker's Conference, the Administrative Board and the War Delegation (limited Parliament in wartime) - in the absence of the Speaker, one of the three Deputy Speakers can assume his/her role and functions Board - the Speaker's Conference is regulated by the Standing Orders - consists of the Speaker, the three Deputy-Speakers (one from each party group with more than 4%) the Chairmen of the Committees, the Deputy Chairmen of the Administrative Board, for a term of 1 year - convenes once a month (from October to June) at the initiative of the Speaker - advises the Speaker - deliberates on measures to promote the methodical conduct of business - submits proposals to the Riksdag, can appoint commissions, recommends debates and rules Material facilities - salary and pension as the Prime Minister - same allowances as other MPs - expense allowance - small apartment in the Parliament building - official car - secretariat - body guards on request FUNCTIONS Organization of parliamentary business - convenes sessions - establishes and modifies the agenda - organizes the debates and sets speaking time - examines the admissibility of bills and amendments The Speaker's Conference and the Administrative Board - examine the admissibility of request for setting up committees and/or committees of enquiry, propose or decide on the setting up of such committees Chairing of public sittings - can open sittings - adjournment and closing are decided by the Chamber - ensures respect for provisions of the Constitution and Standing Orders - makes announcements concerning the Riksdag - takes disciplinary measures in the event of disturbance, and lifts such measures - establishes the list of speakers - gives and withdraws permission to speak according to the Standing Orders - gives and withdraws permission to speak according to the Standing Orders - establishes the order in which amendments are taken up - decides how a vote is to be carried out, verifies the voting procedure and cancels a vote in the event of irregularities - checks the quorum when it is required before voting on special matters, - authenticates the adopted texts - interprets the rules or other regulations governing the life of the Riksdag according to the Standing Orders Special powers - participates in the preparation of the budget submitted by the Board to the Riksdag, as the Chairman of the Administrative Board, - is involved in the recruitment, assignment and promotion of staff, as the Chairman of the Administrative Board - is involved in the organization of the services of Parliament, as the Chairman of the Administrative Board - plays a specific role in the conduct of foreign affairs or defence matters as an ex officio member of the Advisory Council for Foreign Affairs and as Chairman of the War Delegation (reduced Parliament in war time) - is responsible for relations with foreign Parliaments - is responsible for safety, and in this capacity, can call the police in the event of disturbance in the Chamber Speaking and voting rights, other functions - may refuse bills if they are not in conformity with the Constitution - decides the recess periods for the Riksdag - proposes a candidate to the Riksdag for the post of Prime Minister - may dismiss the Prime Minister and other Ministers after a vote of no confidence

Parliament name (generic / translated) Riksdagen / Parliament Structure of parliament Unicameral NATURE Nature of the mandate · Free representation (see Ch. 4, Art. 6 of the Instrument of Government (Constitution) of 1989) Start of the mandate · When the newly-elected Riksdag is convened (Ch. 3, Art. 5 (2) of the Instrument of Government) Validation of mandates · Validation by the Election Review Committee only in case of challenge (Ch. 3, Art. 11, and Ch. 4, Art. 7 (2) of the Instrument of Government, Ch. 1, Art. 5 (1) of the Riksdag Act) · Procedure End of the mandate · On the day when the Riksdag elected next convenes (Ch. 3, Art. 5 of the Instrument of Government), or in case of early dissolution (see Ch. 1, Art. 4 (2) of the Riksdag Act) Can MPs resign? Yes · Yes, of their own free will · Procedure (Ch. 4, Art. 7 (1) of the Instrument of Government, Ch. 1, Art. 10 of the Riksdag Act) · Authority competent to accept the resignation: the Riksdag Can MPs lose their mandate ? Yes (a) Loss of mandate for loss of eligibility/qualification (Ch. 3, Art. 11, and Ch. 4, Art. 7 (2) of the Instrument of Government, Ch. 1, Art. 5 (1) of the Riksdag Act; see Validation of mandates) (b) Loss of mandate by judicial decision (Ch. 4, Art. 7 (3) of the Instrument of Government) STATUS OF MEMBERS Rank in hierarchy · Diplomatic passport for the Speaker, Deputy Speakers and Members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, etc. Other MPs may hold service passports. · Basic salary (see also Ch. 9, Art. 6 of the Riksdag Act): SEK 29,500 per month (higher for Speaker, Deputy Speakers, committee chairmen and vice-chairmen) + Expense allowance: SEK 5,460 per month · No exemption from tax. Cost deduction for the expense allowance is possible. SEK 180-126 standard tax deduction for the daily subsistence allowance (see Travel and transport). · Pension scheme · Other facilities: (a) Secretariat/assistants (see also Ch. 9, Art. 1 to 5, and Art. 7 of the Riksdag Act) (b) Official housing (c) Official car for the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker (d) Postal and telephone services (e) Travel and transport (f) Others Indemnities, facilities and services · The concept does exist (Ch. 4, Art. 8 (1) of the Instrument of Government; see also the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression and the Freedom of the Press Act). · Parliamentary non-accountability is limited to words spoken or written by MPs and votes cast within Parliament. · Derogations: consent (waiver of immunity) by the Riksdag (Ch. 4, Art. 8 (1) of the Instrument of Government, Ch. 3, Art. 18 of the Riksdag Act); improper expressions, insult (Ch. 2, Art. 12 of the Riksdag Act; see Discipline) · Non-accountability takes effect on the day when the mandate begins and offers, after the expiry of the mandate, protection against prosecution for opinions expressed during the exercise of the mandate. Obligation to declare personal assets No Parliamentary immunity - parliamentary non-accountability · The concept does exist (Ch. 4, Art. 8 (1) of the Instrument of Government; see also the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression and the Freedom of the Press Act). · Parliamentary non-accountability is limited to words spoken or written by MPs and votes cast within Parliament. · Derogations: consent (waiver of immunity) by the Riksdag (Ch. 4, Art. 8 (1) of the Instrument of Government, Ch. 3, Art. 18 of the Riksdag Act); improper expressions, insult (Ch. 2, Art. 12 of the Riksdag Act; see Discipline) · Non-accountability takes effect on the day when the mandate begins and offers, after the expiry of the mandate, protection against prosecution for opinions expressed during the exercise of the mandate. Parliamentary immunity - parliamentary inviolability · The concept does exist (Ch. 4, Art. 8 (2) of the Instrument of Government). · It applies only to criminal proceedings and covers all offences with the exception of those crimes for which the minimum penalty is not less than two years' imprisonment. It protects MPs only from arrest, detention and remand. · Derogations: if the MP admits guilt or was caught in flagrante delicto, or if the minimum penalty for the crime is not less than two years' imprisonment, the relevant provisions of law relating to arrest, detention or remand are applicable. See also Loss of mandate by judicial decision. · Parliamentary inviolability does not prevent MPs from being called as witnesses before a judge or tribunal. · Protection is provided from the start to the end of the mandate. Since it does not cover judicial proceedings in general, it does not cover judicial proceedings instituted against MPs before their election. However, the protection against arrest, detention or remand during the mandate applies also to proceedings instituted against MPs before their election. · Parliamentary immunity (inviolability) cannot be lifted. · Parliament cannot subject the prosecution and/or detention to certain conditions. · Parliament cannot suspend the prosecution and/or detention of one of its members. · In the event of preventive custody or imprisonment, the MPs concerned cannot be authorised to attend sittings of Parliament. EXERCISE OF THE MANDATE Training · There is a training/initiation process on parliamentary practice and procedure for MPs. · It is provided by the Riksdag and political parties. · There is no handbook on parliamentary procedure. Participation in the work of the Parliament · It is not compulsory for MPs to attend plenary sittings, committee meetings, or other meetings (for leave of absence, see Ch. 1, Art. 8 of the Riksdag Act). · No penalties are envisaged. Discipline · The rules governing discipline within Parliament are contained in Ch. 2, Art. 12 of the Riksdag Act. · Disciplinary measures envisaged: - Admonition (Ch. 2, Art. 12 of the Riksdag Act) - Loss of right to speak (Ch. 2, Art. 12 of the Riksdag Act) · Specific cases: - Use of inappropriate or abusive language, insults (Ch. 2, Art. 12 of the Riksdag Act) · Competent body for disciplinary charges/ penalties: the Speaker · Procedure (Ch. 2, Art. 12 of the Riksdag Act) Code (rules) of conduct · A Code of Conduct for members of the Riksdag is in force since 1 January 2017. The Code describes the Riksdag as a key component of public power; it also states that members of the Riksdag are held to stringent standards in regard to judgement and conduct. The Code further states that members of the Riksdag shall work together in a democratic spirit and with mutual respect for one another in their everyday work in the Riksdag. The Code also states that in the exercise of their mandate, members of the Riksdag shall work to promote public interest and shall not use their position for personal gain. The Code emphasizes integrity, and states that members shall not engage in behaviour that could erode public confidence in the Riksdag. Relations between MPs and pressure group · There are no legal provisions in this field.

This page was last updated on 15 May 2017
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