Council of State (Sweden)

In Sweden since 1975, a Council of State (Swedish: Konselj) is a special cabinet meeting chaired by the Head of State. These are held a few times every year so that the government can, as required by the constitution, keep the king informed on matters of state.^[1]

The pre-1975 Council of State, which under the 1809 Instrument of Government, exercised executive authority, usually met once a week. At these meetings government bills were granted royal assent and formally became decisions of the Royal Majesty.

After the introduction of the 1974 Instrument of Government in 1975, however, the monarch's role became strictly ceremonial and royal assent was no longer required for bills to become law. Executive power was instead transferred to the new Government of Sweden which is chaired and led in all important aspects by the Prime Minister of Sweden.

Under the 1974 Instrument of Government, the Council of State is instead the name of a government meeting chaired by the King and it holds no special powers. These meetings can be held for a number of different reasons but they are mostly held so that the monarch can be informed on matters of state and government policy.

• Information Council are held when necessary, usually 3-4 times a year. Formally it is the monarch that summons the Council for this purpose but the decision is made in consultation with the Prime Minister. During these the king is informed on matters of state.^[2]
• Change of Government Council are always held when the Riksdag has elected a new Prime Minister. It is held as soon as the Prime Minister elect has announced which ministers shall be part of their cabinet. It is during this council that the monarch confirms that a change of government has taken place. The Speaker of the Riksdag is always called to these meetings to inform the monarch of the government formation process, and replace them as chair should they be unable to attend.^[3][4]
• Councils of State are also held following births of new members of the Swedish Royal Family. At these the monarch announces the newborns name and title to the government.

The Council Room at Stockholm Palace has been used by the Council since around 1870.

During the reign of Gustaf III it was used as a dining room. Some of the original furniture remains, for example the wooden double doors. The room obtained its current appearance during the reign of Charles XV.^[5]