Debates and decisions in the Chamber
The Chamber is the heart of the Riksdag. This is where the 349 members of the Riksdag gather to debate and decide on matters that affect people's everyday lives. Anyone is welcome to watch the debates from the public gallery or live or on demand via the Riksdag webcast service.
When the 349 members of the Riksdag meet, they collectively constitute "the Chamber". But the word "Chamber" is also used to denote the venue where these meetings take place. The meetings are led by the Speaker or by one of the Deputy Speakers.
In the Chamber, the members of the Riksdag debate important matters and take decisions. During most debates, it is normally only the members of the relevant committee who are present, while other members attend to other tasks in or outside the Riksdag. During major debates, such as debates between party leaders and budget debates, however, there are normally more members present in the Chamber.
Centre for open political debate
The Chamber is an important centre for political debate. In the Chamber, the members of the Riksdag and government ministers can express themselves freely, provided they do not use inappropriate language or use personally insulting expressions. There should be a cordial atmosphere in the Chamber.
Openness should apply in the Chamber. This means, for example, that anyone is welcome to listen to the debates from the Chamber's public gallery, but visitors are not permitted to demonstrate, applaud, whistle, shout or express what they think in any way.
The media can follow debates from the press gallery.
All meetings of the Chamber are recorded, which means that you can also follow debates and decisions live and on demand via the Riksdag webcast service. Some debates are also broadcast live on radio and television.
Debates in the Chamber
Normally, debates in the Chamber are about various items of parliamentary business, in other words specific issues that the Riksdag has to take a decision on. These items of business are usually based on proposals from the Government (government bills), or from members of the Riksdag (private members' motions).
Decisions on items of parliamentary business
The members of the Riksdag take thousands of decisions in the Chamber each year. Normally when a vote is held there are over 300 members present in the Chamber.