Opening of the Riksdag
Translated from Swedish by AI; the translation may contain errors. The Swedish text is the original.
Summary AI, written in advance
The debate concerns the opening of the parliamentary session for 2026/27. It is stated that Sweden lives in a world of uncertainty and change where Russia's attack on Ukraine continues 1. Security and prosperity are linked to international developments, and membership in the EU, Nato, and the UN strengthens resilience 1. Challenges also exist within climate issues, economic transitions, and technological development 1. It is important to build on innovation and research 1. Trust between people, a strong rule of law, and confidence in democracy are fundamental 1. Members should be characterized by responsiveness, honesty, and long-term perspective in their work 1.
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
I move that His Majesty the King declares the parliamentary session open.
HANS MAJESTÄT KONUNGEN
Mr. Speaker! Honored members! Sweden has held an election. You now sit in Sweden's Riksdag and have received the mandate to represent the Swedish people. It is an honor to be part of shaping the path our country shall take in the coming years.
Dear members! We live in a world of uncertainty and change. Russia's brutal attack on Ukraine continues – as does the Ukrainian people's defense of their freedom, independence, and right to live in peace. At the same time, we see geopolitical unrest in the Middle East, with consequences far beyond the region's borders.
It has become increasingly clear how our security and our prosperity are linked to the developments around us. International challenges need to be met with international cooperation. Our own security increases through a growing defense and cooperation in the Nordic-Baltic region. Our membership in the EU, Nato and the UN strengthens our common resilience.
The challenges do not stop at security. We stand in the midst of a time of urgent climate issues, economic transitions, and rapid technological development. Therefore, we need to build further on what has always made Sweden strong: our innovative power, outstanding research, and ability to think anew.
Sweden's successes and influence in the world are also based on what we cherish here at home: trust between people, a strong rule of law, and confidence in democracy. The Riksdag is central to upholding these values. Here, different opinions and experiences meet, and here decisions are made that affect people's everyday lives and lay the foundation for the opportunities of future generations.
Honorable members! We live in cities and in the countryside. We are young and old. Our experiences differ. But what unites us all is the striving for a good life and a secure future. We share a hope that our country is governed responsibly, with the best interests of the entire people in mind and with respect for the democratic principles that sustain our society.
You who are new members of Parliament may not have thought about the fact that Moder Svea stands above the gate to the Riksdag building. She is flanked by the allegorical figures Vigilance and Reflection. It is a telling symbol of the mission that rests on each one of you: to be vigilant regarding the challenges of our time but also reflective regarding the decisions that shape tomorrow. To safeguard Sweden is about acting on issues that require immediate action but also about looking further than the next debate, budget, or mandate period.
My wish is therefore that this parliamentary year is characterized by attentiveness, honesty, and long-term perspective – that you listen to one another even when you do not share the same opinion, that you seek common solutions, and that you show the leadership that people have the right to expect from their elected representatives. Let us together contribute to a society of trust and security, where democracy stands firm and where optimism and faith in the future are given space to grow! I wish you, elected representatives for the people of Sweden, strength, courage, and wisdom in your important work.
Source: The Swedish Parliament. The speeches come from the open data of the Riksdag, translated into English by AI, which may contain errors.