Information to the media about the opening of the 2025 Riksdag session

As usual, journalists and photographers wishing to work independently in the Riksdag premises need to have applied for and been granted media accreditation to the Riksdag. Information and an application form are available on the Riksdag website.

Accreditation

Photo locations for the media during the ceremony

Photographers with media accreditation to the Riksdag who would like a photo location in connection with the ceremony must apply for this in advance. The application period starts at 8 a.m. on 28 August and ends at 5 p.m. on 4 September. If interest exceeds the number of places available, a selection will be necessary. 

Seats for the media during the ceremony

During the ceremony, the Chamber’s press gallery will be open for journalists and photographers with media accreditation to the Riksdag. The number of seats is limited and they will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Schedule (times may be subject to change)

Riksplan

11.45 a.m: The photo locations at Riksplan open. Photographers who have applied in advance are to take their places no later than 12.30 p.m. The photo locations at Riksplan close at 1.55 p.m.

12.45 p.m: The entrance at Riksplan opens. The Swedish Royal Army Band performs and the Guards Regiment are on parade. Members of the Riksdag and invited guests arrive. The Speaker, members of the Royal Family, Prime Minister and others make their way via the Grand Stairway to the Chamber.

Ceremony in the Chamber

12.30 p.m: The press gallery and photo locations around the Chamber open. Those with seats in the press gallery and photographers who have applied in advance are to take their places no later than 1.45 p.m.

2 p.m: The ceremony in the Chamber starts. At the request of the Speaker, HM The King declares the 2025/26 Riksdag session open. The Prime Minister then presents the Statement of Government Policy. The programme in the Chamber also includes the Royal Anthem, musical performances by Jill Johnson, the National Anthem and exit music.

After the ceremony

Reception for members of the Riksdag and guests in the Grand Gallery, East Wing of the Riksdag. The reception is open to the media and photos may be taken freely.

Konserthuset

5.30 p.m: A photo location outside Konserthuset opens for photography when the members and guests arrive for a performance. Photographers are to take their places no later than 5.45 p.m. No advance application is required. The photo location will close at 7 p.m. when the performance starts. The performance is closed to the media.

Some areas will be closed off

The opening of the Riksdag session is a major event involving many guests and a large number of staff. It may therefore take time to enter the building. In connection with the ceremony, certain areas and lifts will be closed, and only guests and authorised staff will have access. See the bullet list below. Please note that the times may be changed at short notice. Follow the instructions you receive from the staff and guards.

• 10–4 p.m: Riksplan and Norrbro will be closed off. Only guests, authorised staff, and media representatives and press secretaries who have notified their wish to attend in advance will be granted access to these areas.
• 12.45–2 p.m: The Grand Stairway in the East Wing of the Riksdag will be closed off. Only guests and authorised staff will have access. No media.
• 1.45–4 p.m: The Chamber Foyer on floor 5 of the West Wing of the Riksdag will be closed off. Only guests and authorised staff will have access. No media.
• 3–4 p.m.: The Bank Hall will be closed on account of the Speaker’s reception for specially invited guests. No media.

About Storkyrkan and the Humanists

Before the ceremony for the opening of the Riksdag session, the Humanists will hold a meeting and Storkyrkan will hold a service. Media accreditation to the Riksdag does not apply to these.For information about the Humanists’ meeting, please contact Ulf Gustafsson, email ulf.gustafsson@humanisterna.se.

For information about the service at Storkyrkan, please contact Andreas Lindström, email andreas.lindstrom@svenskakyrkan.se.

Dress code

The dress code for members of the Riksdag and guests at the opening of the Riksdag session is jacket. This means a suit with a light-coloured shirt, and a tie or bow-tie or a dress/skirt/trousers which is more elegant than regular, everyday wear, but not evening wear.