Acknowledgements and closing
Translated from Swedish by AI; the translation may contain errors. The Swedish text is the original.
Summary AI, written in advance
The Speaker notes that Sweden's entry into Nato was a historical decision that will affect the country for a long time 1. He argues that Nordic cooperation is in a new starting phase and that Sweden has continued its support for Ukraine 1. He emphasizes that constitutional changes are often compromised in broad consensus 1 and that the Riksdag functions well as an arena for respectful debate 1. Tomas Eneroth (S) thanks the Speaker for the effective leadership and pedagogical ability 2. S believes that members have a responsibility to tell citizens that politics is important 2 and that they collectively need to become better at telling the story of democracy 2.
Written by AI in advance and may contain errors. The numbers lead to the speech a statement builds on; check against the text below.
TALMANNEN
Honorable members! The voting signal just sounded for the last time in several months. A parliamentary year filled with political activity, debates, and decisions is coming to an end. The spring has been intense in many ways. I shall make a few observations.
On March 18, we had a ceremony at Riksplan to mark Sweden's entry into the defense alliance Nato. Regardless of how one views the step politically, I believe we all agree that it was a historic step and a historic decision that will affect our country for a long time to come.
The NATO process was conducted in close cooperation with Finland. I would therefore like to note that there has been something of a Nordic spring here in the Riksdag when it comes to incoming visits. We have had Finland's president on a visit and Finland's speaker on an official visit. Denmark's royal couple has been here. Denmark's speaker has been here. It is in its own way coincidental that all those visits have come to take place just this spring, but at the same time it is an expression of that the Nordic countries now stand closer to each other than perhaps at any other time in modern times. I believe that we will see these years as a new start phase and a deepening phase of the Nordic cooperation.
On June 9, Sweden and Europe went to the European Parliament election. Unfortunately, voter turnout dropped slightly here in Sweden. I believe we all in here had hoped for a continued increase in voter turnout. I believe it is important that all of us who are politically active reflect on what we can do in the long term to increase voter turnout also in the election to the European Parliament.
Another important matter that we have worked on in the Riksdag is, of course, the continued support for Ukraine, most recently manifested through a decision on an additional support package here in the chamber yesterday.
Our work here in the Riksdag is regulated by the Instrument of Government and the Constitution. As you know, I like anniversaries. I can point out to the Chamber that our current Instrument of Government was established on June 19, 2014, which is exactly ten years ago today – something to celebrate when one comes home tonight.
This spring we noted a perhaps somewhat more central anniversary, namely that it has been 50 years since the Instrument of Government was issued on March 6, 1974. This was marked by a seminar to which the Committee on the Constitution and I invited, and a book by the Riksbank's jubilee fund.
The most important reason for introducing a new form of government then, 50 years ago, was, as is known, that the old one in many respects was no longer practically applicable. Sweden had become a parliamentary democracy, but this was not fully reflected in the form of government.
Many additions have been made to the Instrument of Government since that day in March 1974. But it can be stated that even if the priorities in constitutional policy may have been somewhat different for different parties, the decisions on constitutional amendments have been compromised and made in broad consensus - a strength in Swedish politics.
I believe that historical anniversaries are significant because I believe that history is important for us to be able to understand our present time, while at the same time it is important to constantly have our gaze directed towards the future.
In other parts of the world - even here in Europe - one can know one's history very well, but one is not quite able to free oneself from it. I think that can easily lead to destructive processes, so I think that we in Sweden do well to perhaps learn a bit more from our history but at the same time maintain our future-oriented, forward-looking mindset.
In the name of historical interest, I also want to make the House aware that the northern transition rooms have received new exhibitions, which depict both the history of the Riksdag and the growth of democracy. This is well worth showing visitors – not least the menu from the Riksdag restaurant from a hundred years ago.
Honorable members! As the Speaker of the Riksdag, I would like to see the Riksdag at the heart of the social debate. I believe that this should be Sweden's most important political debate arena. Therefore, I naturally welcome that there is a great interest in what we do in the Riksdag and not least that we have many visitors in the gallery.
Here, I had one of my finest experiences here in the chamber when we had a late interpellation debate about the popular protests against the oppression in Iran. The gallery was full. Many listeners of Iranian descent were present, many others as well. Everyone listened quietly and with dignity to the intense exchange of views - a very fine moment in the stronghold of democracy.
In stark contrast to that experience, we have unfortunately seen on a number of occasions in recent years how spectators have, on the contrary, interrupted from the stands to create attention for their opinions on various issues.
We have a broad freedom of speech in our country and great opportunities to protest, demonstrate, and debate. But there are democratically decided rules - for example, that here in this chamber, it is you, the people's primary representatives, who have the right to speak. Whoever disrupts the proceedings here in the chamber fails in respect for democratically decided rules of the game in order to promote their own purposes. I think it is regrettable.
I have also requested that it should be highlighted more clearly for those visiting the gallery that if one causes a disturbance from the gallery, one can be guilty of the offense of disturbing a proceeding. We have also seen several people who have been prosecuted and convicted for exactly that offense after having caused a disturbance in the gallery.
Differences of opinion and political debate are an important part of democracy, but we need to manage the conflicts within the framework of commonly agreed rules of the game.
Honorable members! A great deal is said about polarization and a high tone, and one can absolutely and on good grounds be concerned about that. At the same time, I think that the Riksdag as a whole functions well as an example of an arena where one can have sometimes harsh political differences of opinion but still debate in a respectful manner. In the everyday work of the Riksdag, as we all know, members from different parties can both have a cup of coffee together and cooperate in their committees. It is a strength for our democracy.
It is also a strength that we can still compromise in Sweden. When a crisis arises, politics can come together. I think both Sweden's support for Ukraine and the NATO process have shown that.
Honorable members! As Chairman of the Committee on Parliament Affairs, I would like to take this opportunity to mention some administrative matters that we have worked on during the spring.
The management of the members' chain continues under the motto Member in Focus. A number of changes have been implemented, and others are underway. Some larger issues need to be handled parliamentarially in the parliamentary commission that is now working and which has an important task in capturing members' opinions and translating them into various proposals.
In light of increased costs, not least for travel, the board has very recently decided to increase the amount for individual foreign business trips, which I hope you will all take advantage of during the coming years.
I also want to mention that the project concerning making it possible to submit motions digitally is continuing. We have coordinated with the group leaders on how the system should look on an overall level, also very recently.
Honorable members! Four people who are here today have completed their parliamentary duties. I would therefore like to turn directly to you with a big and warm thank you for your contributions in the service of democracy.
Being an elected member of the Riksdag is one of the finest assignments one can receive in our democracy. With the voters' trust behind you, you represent them, your party, and your constituency here in the chamber, in the committees, and in the parliamentary work as a whole.
For the work here in the heart of democracy and for your efforts here, you will now be thanked. Please rise when you hear your name and remain standing.
The Riksdag's Gold Needle and Diploma are awarded to Juno Blom.
You were elected to the Riksdag in 2018 as a representative for the Liberals and Östergötland County. I am glad that we can speak with each other in a language that we both understand - the beautiful Östergötland dialect.
During your years in the Riksdag, you have had the opportunity to serve as a member of both the Education Committee and the Justice Committee. Additionally, for three years, you combined the role of member with the position of party secretary for the Liberalerna.
Children's rights have always been your driving force and your commitment, which you now carry forward as the Children's Ombudsman.
Thank you very much for your efforts for the Riksdag, for democracy and for Sweden!
The Riksdag medal of the eighth size is awarded to Ali Esbati.
You made your debut in the Riksdag as a substitute in 2013 and were elected the following year as a regular member for Vänsterpartiet and Stockholm Municipality. Here, you have been a member of first the Committee on Employment and later the Committee on Finance.
By being active in both Sweden and Norway, you have contributed to a political debate over the Nordic nations' borders, something that I believe we both are passionate about.
You have championed a long series of political issues with great commitment. A warm thank you for your efforts for the Riksdag, for democracy, and for Sweden!
The Riksdag medal of the eighth size is also awarded to Paula Holmqvist.
You were elected to the Riksdag in 2014 as a representative for the Socialdemokraterna and Västra Götalands län norra. You have, like many other current and former members of the Riksdag, a background in trade union work.
During your first two terms, you were a member of the Committee on Defence, where you worked extensively on matters concerning preparedness.
Since the last parliamentary election, you have been a member of the Committee on the Labour Market, a role in which you have greatly benefited from your trade union background.
Thank you very much for your efforts for the Riksdag, for democracy, and for Sweden!
So we come to the Riksdag's medal of the twelfth size, which is awarded to Per Bolund.
You were elected to the Riksdag in 2006 as a representative for Miljöpartiet de gröna and Stockholm Municipality. Here, you have first served on the Committee on Industry and Trade and then on the Committee on Finance. Furthermore, you have had the opportunity to serve as both a spokesperson and a minister.
You are passionate about nature. As a child, you spent a lot of time in the Stockholm archipelago. You saw with your own eyes how the marine environment deteriorated. It was here that your interest in biology and your political commitment to the planet were awakened. You are the biologist who put on the suit, tied the tie, and entered politics.
I also want to personally express my thanks for the productive conversations during several of the government formations that we have experienced together during recent years.
Thank you very much for your efforts for the Riksdag, for democracy, and for Sweden!
Now your time in the Swedish Riksdag is over. I hope that from your years in the Riksdag you carry with you many fine memories of intensive work in this fantastic house, which in itself symbolizes our democracy and which it is a privilege to work in every day, but which also contains so much dynamics, negotiations, and processes that all ultimately aim to make our country better. Once again: A warm thank you to all four of you for everything you have done for the Riksdag and for Sweden!
Honorable members! So that no one feels disadvantaged, I also want to extend a warm thank you to all of you who remain. Thank you for your efforts in the Riksdag during the past, intensive parliamentary year! I also want to thank the deputy speakers, the group leaders, and the members of the Committee on the Riksdag's Administration in particular for a fine cooperation. I naturally want to thank the Director-General of the Riksdag and the employees of the Riksdag Administration for their good efforts during the year. I think we also have reason to direct a thought of gratitude to all employees at the party offices for their hard work.
With the poem Hundra sommardagar by Caj Lundgren, Kajenn, I wish you all a fine summer.
Be glad, my soul, for what you have; now you have a hundred summers and this is the first. When the sun's course reaches its end, then you have ninety left and some will be the greatest.
Pay close attention to where you stand; tomorrow is already yesterday, it goes so fast to wander. Take notice that what you get is a hundred summer days per year, tomorrow is the other.
Tomas Eneroth (S)
Mr. Speaker! On behalf of all members of Parliament, I would like to thank both you and the deputy speakers and wish you both a nice holiday and a nice summer. We are incredibly grateful for the work you do - all the time you devote to this plenary, all the preparations you make and not least the work of leading the entire Parliament's work.
You have a good pedagogical ability. You have infinite patience and an absolutely unerring sense for us members, but also for our constitution and our democracy.
You are leading the work very effectively. The pace of the voting is now comparable to that of an experienced auctioneer.
You maintain order; let the gods know it. In the event that any member is seen venturing out without a jacket, you are there quickly and ensure that the people's deciding body acts with the dignity and style that respect for democracy requires. And should any member possibly drift out onto the deep ocean of debate, you calmly and quietly bring the debate back to the safe harbor of the agenda.
You are doing a fantastic job!
I also want to extend a big thank you from all of us members to all the Riksdag employees for the support you give us members, to the Chamber Office and the cleaning staff, to the guards and restaurant staff, to the committee offices, janitors, member services, and everyone else who helps us work in this fantastic place – where sentences are broken, decisions are made, and democracy functions. Thank you, all of you! I hope that you also get a relaxing and fine summer!
We have had a parliamentary year with many challenges. Not least, we had a marathon debate yesterday on DCA, and the overall management of security policy has encountered its challenges. We have had debates on the situation in Gaza and the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
We have had an EU election campaign, where we were all out campaigning at the same time as we also worked in the committees on healthcare's challenges, the effects of bottom trawling, the grants for public education, the finances of families with children, and the Riksrevisionen's audits.
It has been a year in the Riksdag that has demanded quite a lot of us members. But at the same time, this is an invaluable part of Swedish democracy. Our everyday work, our voter contacts, our meetings, conversations and negotiations - everything plays a crucial role in people's trust in democracy.
Here we as members have a responsibility to tell everyone we meet that politics is important and real, that it is possible to change society and that we in the Riksdag can actually have completely different worldviews but still debate with intellectual sharpness, humor, wisdom and respect for one another. We all share the privilege of being the people's elected, but it is also a responsibility.
We need to collectively get better at telling the story of the beautiful things that actually happen here in the chamber: that we have democracy and argue, vote, and establish decisions. In far too many parts of the world, that possibility does not exist. In countries around the world, people's freedom and right to self-determination are hindered by authoritarian forces or military might. And in a country with a flag as blue and yellow as our own, people are fighting right now for their freedom and their democracy. My appeal to everyone must therefore be to spend the summer at some point reflecting on how we can strengthen democracy both here and out in the world.
Dear Speaker and Deputy Speaker! Thank you for being here, thank you for what you do and thank you for this parliamentary year!
Our presiding speaker has published a guide to Swedish poetry. It is an impressive cultural feat that I know very many appreciate. Unfortunately, I have not found any of my works in this collection, so I take the liberty of, once again, formulating a poem as a conclusion to this parliamentary year. May God and this assembly forgive me for the forced rhymes! It is a travesty of Ida's summer song.
You shouldn't think it will be a plenary-free fall, no, the Speaker is cleared, gavel, suit, and his Speaker's chair and all the gadgets he has. You, Speaker, you rule and you set the rules for debates and speeches. But soon it is something else that applies, then we leave the Riksdag chamber.
For now we have finished the session and written our last motion It is actually quite remarkable that we can still maintain a good tone We have argued about Nato and gender and campaigned in the EU elections We have voted until fingers get sore and delivered fantastic speeches
Now comes a time without the plenary speaker and chamber office and believe me, we won't be late We wave as we pass by Now we go where the flowers bloom where weeds make the lawn green Now we go to typical Swedish summer where even a rain shower is beautiful
Source: The Swedish Parliament. The speeches come from the open data of the Riksdag, translated into English by AI, which may contain errors.