Background & Purpose

Ensuring the safety and security of parliamentary meetings is a continuous concern for any democratic institution. Additionally, various opposition parties had put forward ideas for improving the Riksdag's internal procedures.

Proposals & Debate

The main proposal was to start an official inquiry into how to make sure parliamentary meetings, especially in the chamber, are safe and secure. Opposition parties, however, had submitted about 40 different proposals covering a wide range of topics, including how the parliamentary session should open, where members sit, their right to propose new ideas, the role of the opposition, and their financial conditions.

The Decision

The Swedish Parliament decided to go ahead with an inquiry into securing its meetings. At the same time, it rejected all 40 proposals from opposition parties regarding other changes to how the parliament operates.

Does this affect you?

  • Members of Parliament: Their working environment and safety during parliamentary meetings will be reviewed and potentially improved.
  • Riksdag Board: They are tasked with initiating and overseeing the new inquiry into meeting security.
  • Parliamentary staff: They will be involved in supporting the inquiry and may need to implement new security measures.

In Practice

  • The Riksdag Board (the administrative body of the parliament) will start an official investigation.
  • This inquiry will specifically look into how to ensure the safety and security of meetings held in the parliamentary chamber.
  • No immediate changes will be made to the opening ceremonies of parliamentary sessions, seating arrangements, or the right of members to submit proposals.
  • There will be no special inquiry into the opposition's role or changes to Members of Parliament's financial conditions based on these specific proposals.