Background & Purpose
To protect Sweden as a democratic state ruled by law and ensure that core regulations cannot easily be dismantled, the government proposed stricter rules for constitutional amendments.
The Decision
The Swedish parliament voted to approve the constitutional changes as a resting proposal, marking the first step required to reform the laws.
Does this affect you?
- Swedish judges and court staff: Their professional independence is provided stronger long-term institutional safeguards against political interference.
- Members of the Swedish parliament: They face stricter majority requirements when voting to pass future amendments to the constitution.
- Swedish citizens: They benefit from a more robust and secure democratic legal system where fundamental laws are harder to alter.
In Practice
- A requirement is introduced that at least half of the members of the Swedish parliament must vote yes to adopt a constitutional proposal as resting.
- A requirement of a two-thirds majority among members of the Swedish parliament is introduced for the final adoption after a general election.
- The institutional protection for the independence of Swedish courts and judges is strengthened over the long term.
- The rules for amending core provisions in the Riksdag Act follow the same strict two-step procedure.