Norlén poised for third speaker term as Social Democrats nominate rival

Sweden’s parliament is due to elect its speaker on Monday, with Moderate Party nominee Andreas Norlén backed by several parties and the Social Democrats putting forward a rival shortly before the vote, SVT reports.

Members of the Riksdag, Sweden’s parliament, began their first session since the September 13 election at 11am. They are voting separately for the speaker and three deputy speakers.

The Moderates nominated Norlén, who has served as speaker since 2018. The Christian Democrats, Liberals, Sweden Democrats and Left Party have also said they will support him.

The Social Democrats nominated MP Johanna Haraldsson, who has been in parliament since 2014. Party group leader Lena Hallengren announced her candidacy 15 minutes before the vote.

If there is only one candidate for a position, members vote by acclamation, calling out yes or no. If there are multiple candidates, any member can request a secret ballot.

The speaker’s role

The speaker is politically neutral and leads parliamentary sessions and plans the work of the Riksdag. The speaker also proposes a prime minister to parliament. The earliest a proposal can be made is Tuesday, September 29. If more than half of MPs vote against the candidate, the speaker begins the process of finding another candidate.

The speaker represents parliament, including when receiving visiting presidents, speakers and prime ministers. The speaker cannot be removed by a parliamentary vote before the next general election.

Tags: Swedish politics, Riksdag, Andreas Norlén