Ministeriön

Ministeriön is the Swedish term for a government department, the central administrative unit responsible for a specific policy area within the executive branch. The definite form ministeriön refers to “the ministry” as a concrete entity. In Sweden, the ministries are part of the Government Offices (Regeringskansliet), which coordinates the work of the government and the Prime Minister’s Office. The term is used to describe both the policy area and the public administration that implements decisions in that area.

A ministry is led by a minister, who sets political priorities and represents the government publicly. The day-to-day administration is run by a permanent secretary (departementschef), a senior civil servant who coordinates staff and ensures professional administration. A ministry typically contains various divisions and departments that handle policy development, legal drafting, regulatory work, and the preparation of government proposals. It also oversees state agencies and authorities within its remit, monitoring implementation and compliance with laws and regulations.

In the legislative process, ministries draft proposed laws and budgets, provide expert input to lawmakers, and respond to inquiries. Ministers carry political responsibility for their areas and participate in collective government decisions, while civil servants maintain impartial administration. The structure and senior roles in ministerierna can vary, but the core principle remains: a ministry combines political leadership with a professional civil service to formulate and execute government policy.