The Basic Law on Freedom of Expression applies to radio, television, films, sound and visual recordings, video and CD recordings, as well as journalistic websites and blogs. If your website has a publisher, it is possible to request a certificate attesting that there are no legal barriers to publication that constitutionally protect the website. The government`s instrument first lays the foundations for a democratic society and stipulates that all public authority in Sweden emanates from the people. This means that citizens exert influence through politicians who are elected to represent them in the Reichstag, municipalities and district assemblies. This is called representative democracy. The opening chapter also states that the Reichstag promulgates laws, that the king or queen is the head of state, that the government runs the empire, and that the courts observe objectivity and impartiality. Anyone has the right to disseminate any information in printed form, provided they comply with the law. Just as the Freedom of the Press Act gives us the right to express ourselves freely, it also protects us from defamation and offensive language and behaviour. For example, if someone writes something that can be considered incitement against a population, such as racist comments, or posts images with elements of sexual violence, it may be considered a violation of the Freedom of the Press Act. The same applies if the state or society is threatened by the publication of information that could be considered high treason or espionage. One of the Reichstag`s tasks is to supervise and investigate the work of the government. The Act of Government contains provisions on the parliamentary oversight functions of the Reichstag.
Freedom of the press is an important democratic right in Sweden. This means that everyone is free to publish books, magazines and newspapers at will. The authorities do not have the right to verify or censor what is written in advance. It also contains rules for international cooperation and rules for courts and public bodies. The fact that autonomy applies in Swedish municipalities is also provided for in the government instrument. Since the 14th century, there have been written rules that determine how the country should be governed. The first government charter was issued in 1634. In 1809, a governmental instrument was promulgated, which, among other things, determined the separation of powers between the king and the Reichstag. Basic laws protect our democracy. They contain the basic rules for political decision-making in Sweden.
The fundamental laws therefore occupy a very special place in society. The Constitution takes precedence over all other laws. In other words, the content of other laws must never conflict with what is in the Constitution. Public authorities are not allowed to check in advance what is broadcast on radio, television or any other form of technical recording. The exceptions are films shown in cinemas, which is the only form of media for which prior review by the state is allowed. The Swedish Media Council always classifies films for public screening and gives them different age ratings. It is possible to call a referendum on a constitutional question. This option was introduced in 1980, but has not been used to date. Once the Reichstag has taken its first decision on an amendment to the Basic Law, it may decide to call a referendum on the matter.
The results of such a referendum are binding only if a majority votes against the proposal. In this case, the Reichstag cannot amend the constitution. The possibility of holding a referendum on constitutional questions was introduced in 1980, but has not yet been used. In addition, bab.la offers the Spanish-English dictionary for other translations. Basic laws are more difficult to amend than other laws. Allow time for reflection and ensure that the consequences have been carefully weighed before changes are made. It is to protect our democracy. All public power in Sweden emanates from the people, and the Riksdag is the most important representative of the people. That is what the instrument of government says – the Basic Law, which establishes the fundamental principles of our democracy. Photo: Anna Molander/TT In Sweden, you have the right to have an opinion on everything and say almost anything you want. You have the right to express yourself freely on radio, television and the Internet.
The Basic Law on Freedom of Expression sets out these rights. It also describes what is not allowed, for example, defaming or publicly insulting another person. A parliamentary system – whereby the government governs the country with the support of parliament – began to apply after the end of World War I, but it was not incorporated into the constitution until 1969.