Epäluottamuslauseäänestys

Epäluottamuslauseäänestys, or a vote of no confidence, is a parliamentary procedure used in many countries to remove a government, prime minister, or individual minister from office. It is a mechanism through which the legislature can express its lack of confidence in the executive branch. If a vote of no confidence passes, the government is typically required to resign or call for a general election.

The process usually begins with a motion of no confidence being formally proposed by a member of the legislature. This motion is then debated, and afterwards, a vote is held. The threshold for passing the motion varies by country; in some cases, a simple majority is sufficient, while in others, a supermajority or a specific quorum might be required. The exact rules and consequences of a successful vote are determined by the constitutional and parliamentary law of each nation.

Votes of no confidence are significant political events. They can be triggered by a variety of factors, including policy disagreements, scandals, or a perceived loss of public trust. The threat of such a vote can also influence the behavior of the government, encouraging it to be more responsive to the legislature. In parliamentary systems, it is a fundamental tool for maintaining the accountability of the executive to the elected representatives.