Handling government business

When the Government takes a decision in a matter it is the outcome of a long and careful process in the Government Offices. Here you can read more about government business, how matters are handled by the authority and how Government decisions are taken.

What is government business?

Government business consists of matters in which decision-making authority rests with the Government. The Instrument of Government, one of Swedens fundamental laws, defines and delimits the tasks of the Government. In accordance with the Instrument of Government, the Government governs the realm. This means, among other things, that it lays legislative proposals before the Riksdag (bills), implements Riksdag decisions, specifies the frameworks for the activities and operations of the government agencies and takes decisions in certain administrative matters.

The Government may not take decisions in matters where sole authority rests with the Riksdag. This is also laid down in the Instrument of Government and applies, for example, to the enactment of laws and the national budget. Nor may the Government decide in matters that are to be tried by a court of law or determine how another authority should use its power in individual cases.

Examples of government business

Ordinances

Many items of government business result in ordinances, which are the equivalent of the laws enacted by the Riksdag. An ordinance is often part of the implementation of a Riksdag decision on a new law. Laws and ordinances are official and binding rules regulating the actions of private individuals and public agencies. Examples of ordinances:

• A general rule, for example on food safety, compensation for sick pay costs or financial guidance for consumers.
• The establishment of a government agency, and instructions on the tasks the agency is to perform and the rules it must follow.
• Exercise of its authority may be of a more general nature, through general provisions concerning how all government agencies are to report their income and expenditure.

Appropriation directions

The Governments routine direction of government agencies is effected through annual appropriation directions, setting out the goals the agency is to achieve, how much money it has at its disposal and how the money is to be divided among the different activities.

Applications

Agencies, organisations and associations often turn to the Government with applications for funds or permits. It may, for example, be a question of a university college that wants to carry on specific operations, a religious community that wants to receive a government grant or a government agency that needs more time to complete a certain project.

Appeals

The Government also deals with appeals against agencies decisions. An allotment-garden cottage association, for example, may appeal against a decision of the county administrative board concerning a municipal local plan or an agency may appeal against another agencys decision not to surrender documents.

Appointments

The Governments tasks further include appointments to key posts in the public sector, for example ambassadors, county governors, directors-general of government agencies, boards of state-owned companies and university and college vice-chancellors.

Legislative proposals presented to the Riksdag

In legislative matters, the Government is only entitled to present proposals (bills) to the Riksdag. However, these bills are the result of extensive preparations in the Government and Government Offices. Read more about legislative matters under the heading Swedish legislation.