How the Riksdag works
The Riksdag is the highest decision-making assembly in Sweden. Here you will find more information about the tasks and work of the Riksdag.
Committees – a driving force in the work of the Riksdag
There are 15 parliamentary committees with the task of ensuring that all items of parliamentary business are considered thoroughly before any decisions are taken. In addition, the Riksdag has a Committee on European Union Affairs.
The Speaker
The Speaker is the Riksdag's principal representative, and as such directs and organises the Riksdag's work procedures. Andreas Norlén (Moderate Party) has been the Speaker of the Riksdag since 2018.
How the Riksdag works
The Riksdag’s five main tasks
The Riksdag is the highest decision-making assembly in Sweden. The Riksdag’s tasks include making laws and determining the central government budget. It also examines how the Government performs its duties.
Makes laws
One of the Riksdag’s most important tasks is to make laws. Proposals for new laws, or amendments to existing laws, normally come from the Government in the form of a government bill. However, proposals can also come from one or several members of the Riksdag.
Determines the central government budget
The Riksdag is responsible for determining central government expenditure and revenue in the central government budget.
Determines the central government budget
Examines the work of the Government
The Riksdag has several ways of examining the way in which the Government and public agencies perform their duties.
Works with EU matters
Sweden is a member of the EU. As a result, the Riksdag is not the only body with the authority to decide what laws will apply in Sweden.
Helps to shape foreign policy
Certain foreign policy matters can only be determined by the Riksdag.
Democracy means government by the people
A fundamental idea behind democracy is that the citizens or residents in a county should have the opportunity to exercise political influence.
The international work of the Riksdag
The members of the Riksdag work internationally to promote democracy, peace and human rights.
The international work of the Riksdag
The history of the Riksdag
Approximately one hundred years ago, women and men were granted universal and equal suffrage. But the history of the Riksdag began much earlier.