Illustration: The Riksdag Administration

The general private members' motions period

Members submit independent motions

Once a year, members of the Riksdag can submit independent private member’s motions, that is proposals on virtually any issue that the Riksdag can take decisions on. This occurs during a period known as the general private members' motions period in the autumn.

The general private members’ motions period 2026 starts at 11 a.m. on Monday 28 September and continues until the motions period for the Budget Bill ends. After an election, the date for submission of the Budget Bill can vary. This means that the general private members’ motions period 2026 may end at 4.30 p.m. on Wednesday 4 November at the earliest, and at 4.30 p.m. on Friday 27 November at the latest.

During the general private members' motions period, members of the Riksdag may submit proposals on virtually any issue that the Riksdag can take decisions on, for example a proposal for amended legislation or an announcement to the Government to appoint an inquiry. However, a private member’s motion may not propose that the Riksdag should decide on an issue that the Government, a court of law or an administrative authority is otherwise responsible for deciding on.

Various types of private members’ motions

Private members’ motions that are submitted during the general private members' motions period are known as independent private members' motions. A motion may contain one or more proposals.

Another type of motion which is submitted as the year progresses is a private member’s motion arising out of a government bill. These motions can only be submitted in connection with a proposal from the Government and they must concern the same topic as the proposal.

Facts on the general private members' motions period

Number of independent motions during the general private members' motions period

In 2025, 3,738 such motions were submitted.
In 2024, 3,178 such motions were submitted.
In 2023, 2,701 such motions were submitted.
In 2022, 2,235 such motions were submitted.
In 2021, 4,149 such motions were submitted.
In 2020, 3,645 such motions were submitted.

Number of proposals in motions during the general private members' motions period

A motion may contain one or more proposals.

In 2025, 11,013 such proposals were submitted.
In 2024, 11,022 such proposals were submitted.
In 2023, 9,566 such proposals were submitted.
In 2022, 8,918 such proposals were submitted.
In 2021, 17,298 such proposals were submitted.
In 2020, 13,625 such proposals were submitted.

The way the motions are considered in the Riksdag

Once a private member's motion has been sent in, it is submitted to the committee or committees with responsibility for the area with which it deals. For example, motions dealing with climate issues are referred to the Committee on Environment and Agriculture. The committee goes through the proposals in the motions and proposes what decision the Riksdag is to take. For many of the motions, the committees do not start this process until the spring. After that, a decision will be taken by the Riksdag on the motion.

The date for a decision for each motion is published on the Riksdag website as soon as the date has been decided.

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Published: 11 August 2025