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SWEDEN
Riksdagen (Parliament)
PRESIDENCY OF THE PARLIAMENT

Compare data for parliamentary chambers in the Presidency module

Parliament name (generic / translated) Riksdagen / Parliament
Structure of parliament Unicameral
APPOINTMENT AND TERM OF OFFICE
Title Speaker of the Riksdag
Term - duration: 4 years (term of House)
- reasons for interruption of the term: resignation, death
Appointment - elected by all Members of the Riksdag
- election is held at the first meeting of the new session
- election is held after the Members ' mandate are validated
Eligibility - any Member may be candidate
- candidates are usually nominated by the group leaders at the meeting before the election
Voting system - election is held by acclamation unless a Member asks for a formal vote by secret ballot
- if a vote is held, absolute majority is required in the first two rounds and simple majority in the third round
- no more than 3 rounds can be held and the third round is held between the two candidates having received the greatest number of votes in the second round
Procedures / results - the most senior MP presides over the Riksdag during the voting
- 5 MPs supervise the voting and the Secretary General counts the votes
- the most senior MP announces the results without any delay
- the results can be challenged by the Election Review Committee
STATUS
Status - the Speaker shall serve as temporary Regent when no other competent person in the Royal family can serve
- represents the Riksdag with the public authorities together with the Secretary General and the administrative Director
- is ex officio member of the Board of the National Day
- is ex officio President of the Speaker's Conference, the Administrative Board and the War Delegation (limited Parliament in wartime)
- in the absence of the Speaker, one of the three Deputy Speakers can assume his/her role and functions
Board - the Speaker's Conference is regulated by the Standing Orders
- consists of the Speaker, the three Deputy-Speakers (one from each party group with more than 4%) the Chairmen of the Committees, the Deputy Chairmen of the Administrative Board, for a term of 1 year
- convenes once a month (from October to June) at the initiative of the Speaker
- advises the Speaker - deliberates on measures to promote the methodical conduct of business - submits proposals to the Riksdag, can appoint commissions, recommends debates and rules
Material facilities - salary and pension as the Prime Minister
- same allowances as other MPs
- expense allowance
- small apartment in the Parliament building
- official car
- secretariat
- body guards on request
FUNCTIONS
Organization of parliamentary business - convenes sessions
- establishes and modifies the agenda
- organizes the debates and sets speaking time
- examines the admissibility of bills and amendments
The Speaker's Conference and the Administrative Board
- examine the admissibility of request for setting up committees and/or committees of enquiry, propose or decide on the setting up of such committees
Chairing of public sittings - can open sittings - adjournment and closing are decided by the Chamber
- ensures respect for provisions of the Constitution and Standing Orders
- makes announcements concerning the Riksdag
- takes disciplinary measures in the event of disturbance, and lifts such measures
- establishes the list of speakers - gives and withdraws permission to speak according to the Standing Orders
- gives and withdraws permission to speak according to the Standing Orders
- establishes the order in which amendments are taken up
- decides how a vote is to be carried out, verifies the voting procedure and cancels a vote in the event of irregularities
- checks the quorum when it is required before voting on special matters,
- authenticates the adopted texts
- interprets the rules or other regulations governing the life of the Riksdag according to the Standing Orders
Special powers - participates in the preparation of the budget submitted by the Board to the Riksdag, as the Chairman of the Administrative Board,
- is involved in the recruitment, assignment and promotion of staff, as the Chairman of the Administrative Board
- is involved in the organization of the services of Parliament, as the Chairman of the Administrative Board
- plays a specific role in the conduct of foreign affairs or defence matters as an ex officio member of the Advisory Council for Foreign Affairs and as Chairman of the War Delegation (reduced Parliament in war time)
- is responsible for relations with foreign Parliaments
- is responsible for safety, and in this capacity, can call the police in the event of disturbance in the Chamber
Speaking and voting rights, other functions - may refuse bills if they are not in conformity with the Constitution
- decides the recess periods for the Riksdag
- proposes a candidate to the Riksdag for the post of Prime Minister - may dismiss the Prime Minister and other Ministers after a vote of no confidence

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