The assignment as a member of the Riksdag places stringent demands with regard to judgement and conduct. Here, the ethical guidelines that apply to members of the Riksdag are described in brief.
A code of conduct which summarises the regulatory framework and values central to the assignment as an MP applies to the members of the Riksdag. The code of conduct has been decided by the Speaker together with the group leaders of all the parties represented in the Riksdag.
Conflict of interest
A conflict of interest means that a person, for example a member, may be perceived to be biased in a situation, or that circumstances exist in which there is a risk that the person's impartiality could be questioned. The code of conduct states, for example, that members may not participate in the consideration of items of parliamentary business concerning themselves, or someone close to them.
The register of financial interests
The register of MPs' financial interests exists in order to create openness and transparency regarding the members' commitments and financial interests. The register contains information about interests in companies, for example shareholdings, assignments as a board member and other agreements of an economic nature such as employment on the side of their assignment as MPs.
It also contains information about property holdings and debts. Members without anything to report must also report this fact to the register of financial interests.
Bribes
A bribe is a benefit that a person, for example a member of the Riksdag, receives and which has the purpose of influencing the member to act is a way that favours the giver of the benefit. Bribes are prohibited by law, but it is sometimes be difficult to know where to draw the line for what may be regarded as a bribe.
Examples of what may be regarded as a bribe include discounts, meals, travel or tickets to events. According to the code of conduct, members should not expose themselves to the risk of even being suspected of letting themselves be influenced by a bribe.
Gifts
Members of the Riksdag are sometimes offered gifts in connection with, for example, official journeys. If the gift is targeted at a member in his or her role as an MP, it belongs to the Riksdag and is to be registered in a special gift register. When a member is offered a gift, for example, a souvenir, it is important to ascertain whether the gift may be a bribe, and in this case, the member may not receive it.
However, members are permitted to keep gifts of insignificant value, such as souvenirs and simple pens, and these do not need to be registered.
The code of conduct
A code of conduct for the members of the Riksdag(pdf, 678 kB)