What does the Riksdag do?

The Riksdag is the highest decision-making assembly in Sweden. Its tasks include making laws and determining the central government budget. The Riksdag also examines the work of the Government.

Makes laws

One of the Riksdag's most important tasks is to decide on laws. Proposals for new laws, or amendments to current laws, usually come from the Government in the form of a government bill. However, proposals can also be submitted in the form of a motion from one or several members of the Riksdag.

All legislative proposals are prepared by a parliamentary committee before the Riksdag takes its decision. For a legislative proposal to become reality, a majority of members of the Riksdag must vote in favour of it. The Riksdag communicates its decision to the Government, which issues the new law and ensures that it is implemented in the way intended by the Riksdag.

Determines the central government budget

The Riksdag is responsible for determining central government expenditure and revenue in the central government budget. It does this after the Government has submitted proposals in the Budget Bill as to how the money at the disposal of the central government sector should be used. Once the Riksdag has taken a decision on the central government budget, the Government is responsible for implementing the Riksdag's decision.

Examines the work of the Government

The Riksdag has several ways of examining the way in which the Government and public agencies perform their duties.

• The members of the Riksdag have the opportunity to address questions to the Government.
• The Committee on the Constitution checks that the Government acts in compliance with existing regulations.
• If the Riksdag no longer has confidence in a minister or in the Prime Minister, it can decide to make a declaration of no confidence.
• Members of the public who are dissatisfied with a public agency's handling of a matter can turn to the Parliamentary Ombudsmen.
• The Swedish National Audit Office examines how the central government sector uses its money.

Works with EU-related matters

Sweden is a member of the European Union, the EU. As a result, the Riksdag is not the only body with the authority to decide what laws will apply in Sweden. It shares this role with the EU institutions. The Government represents Sweden in the EU, but the Riksdag also has the opportunity to influence the work of the EU. The Government consults the Riksdag on what position Sweden should take in the EU. The Riksdag's work with EU issues is carried out in various forums including the parliamentary committees, the Committee on EU Affairs and the Chamber.

Foreign policy

One of the tasks of the Riksdag is to shape Swedish foreign policy together with the Government. The Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs is a body for discussion and consultation on foreign affairs between the Government and the Riksdag. Examples of foreign policy decisions taken by the Riksdag are which military operations Sweden will participate in, and how great a share of our gross national income (GNI) should be spent on development cooperation.