The Riksdag’s role in the event of war or danger of war
The Instrument of Government and the Riksdag Act regulate the processes for the Riksdag and the Riksdag’s War Delegation if Sweden finds itself at war or danger of war. The rules exist so that the country can be governed in a pre-defined way and to provide the necessary scope of action, even in a serious situation.
The basic premise is that the Riksdag’s functions and tasks are the same during wartime and danger of war as they are otherwise. In such circumstances, a number of special rules apply. For example, the Government or the Speaker are to convene a meeting of the Riksdag in the event of war or danger of war in Sweden. The meeting can take place outside of Stockholm.
If the Government is unable to carry out its duties during wartime, the Riksdag may decide on the formation of a new government and determine its working procedures.
If necessary, the War Delegation can stand in for the Riksdag. If Sweden is at war, the members of the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs will decide that the War Delegation is to replace the Riksdag. If possible, the members should consult the Prime Minister before such a decision is taken. If Sweden is at danger of war, the members of the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister are to take the decision jointly. The War Delegation has the same authority as the Riksdag, with the exception of decisions relating to parliamentary elections if the country is at war.
If Sweden is at war and neither the Riksdag nor the War Delegation is able to carry out its duties, the Government shall perform them to the extent necessary to protect the country and bring hostilities to a close. However, the Government does not, for example, have the right to adopt, amend or abrogate fundamental laws during this period.
- The Instrument of Government
- The Riksdag Act
- The War Delegation
- The Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs
Enabling acts to strengthen Sweden’s total defence
Sweden’s total defence service comprises both civil and military defence. The total defence service will enable Sweden to prevent and respond to attacks and other serious threats to our security in times of a heightened state of alert and ultimately war.
The Riksdag has adopted a number of laws, or “enabling acts”, that will strengthen the country's total defence in the event of war, or danger of war. The Riksdag has delegated to the Government the task of deciding when the enabling acts are to be applied. The decision is taken by the Government adopting a specific ordinance.
A common denominator of several enabling acts is that the Riksdag is to examine the Government's ordinance for it to continue to be applied. If the Riksdag does not approve it within two months, it will cease to apply.