The new parliamentary working year has started
Published:
The new parliamentary working year – the 2023/24 Riksdag session – started on Tuesday 12 September. At 11 a.m. the members of the Riksdag convened for a roll-call in the Chamber. This was later followed by the ceremony for the opening of the Riksdag session. Both events can be watched on-demand via the webcast service on the Riksdag website and social media. Tuesday 12 September also marked the start of the general private members’ motions period.
Roll-call and opening of the Riksdag session
A roll-call was held in the Chamber on Tuesday 12 September at 11 a.m. The members of the Riksdag convened in the Chamber and their names were called, one-by-one by the Secretary-General of the Riksdag after the Speaker’s opening speech. The Speaker leads the work of the Riksdag and is ultimately responsible for how it is planned and conducted.
This was later followed by the opening of the Riksdag session, which marks the start of the 2023/24 parliamentary year. This year, the opening ceremony commemorated how Sweden’s system of government and the work procedures of the Riksdag have developed during the last 500 years. In 1523, Sweden left the Kalmar Union and once again became an independent state. Gustav Vasa was elected King and parliamentary meetings began to be held at regular intervals.
At 1 p.m. the webcast from the opening started as the guests arrived at Riksplan. At 2 p.m., the opening ceremony started in the Chamber, and at the request of the Speaker, H.M. The King declared the 2023/24 Riksdag session open. The Prime Minister then presented the Statement of Government Policy, outlining the policies the Government intends to pursue during the coming year.
The programme in the Chamber also included the Royal Anthem, musical performances by Orphei Drängar, the National Anthem and exit music.
The opening of the Riksdag session 2023
The start of the general private members’ motions period
The general private members’ motions period also started at 11 a.m. on Tuesday 12 September. During this period, members of the Riksdag can submit proposals on virtually any issue that the Riksdag can take decisions on, for example, proposals on amendments to legislation or an announcement calling on the Government to appoint a commission of inquiry. The 2023 general private members’ motions period started on Tuesday 12 September at 11 a.m. and will end on Thursday 5 October.
The general private members’ motions period
Webcasts
The roll-call and opening of the Riksdag session could be watched live via the Riksdag webcast service, and on demand. Parts of the broadcast of the opening ceremony were interpreted into sign language and English. It was also possible to follow the events via the Riksdag’s other digital channels.
The Riksdag on social media
• The Riksdag on X (formerly Twitter)
For further information
For further information, please contact: riksdagsinformation@riksdagen.se, telephone: 020-349 000 • Email: riksdagsinformation@riksdagen.se.