The Government governs the Realm. This is stated in the Swedish Constitution. This means that the Government presents proposals to the Riksdag and ensures that the decisions taken by the Riksdag are implemented.
If a parliamentary election leads to a change of relative strengths between the parties, the newly-elected Riksdag will appoint a new Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is head of the Government and he or she is then responsible for appointing the other ministers who are to form the Government.
A new government is formed
The Government's proposals to the Riksdag are known as Government bills. The most important proposal is the Budget bill which is submitted every autumn. It contains proposals as to how the state should use the money at its disposal during the following year. Other bills concern new legislation or amendments to existing legislation.
The Government is accountable to the Riksdag. If it is not supported, or at least accepted, by the Riksdag, it may be forced to resign. The Riksdag has the opportunity to check at any time whether the Government still enjoys its support.
The Government's work takes place in the various ministries, and decisions that have been taken are implemented by the central government authorities.
The Riksdag exercises its influence in the EU through the Government. The Government represents Sweden in the European Council at the EU summits, and in the Council of the European Union, which is often referred to as the Council of Ministers. The Government is also accountable to the Riksdag as regards EU matters.