Motionärer

Motionärer is a Swedish term used to describe the person who submits a motion in a legislative or deliberative assembly, such as the Riksdag or a municipal council. A motionär is typically a member of the body who brings forward a formal proposal for consideration, ranging from policy changes to administrative questions. The plural form motionärer is used when referring to more than one proposer. The term derives from the noun motion, meaning a formal proposal, combined with the agent suffix -är.

In practice, motionärer are usually elected representatives who initiate motions either individually or together with colleagues. A motionärer may be the author of the text of the motion and is often responsible for presenting it to the chamber or committee, answering questions, and coordinating support. Motions can be submitted by single members or by a group and may include accompanying justification, proposed measures, and a timetable. Co-sponsors or fellow motionärer may sign on to a motion to indicate support.

The treatment of motions occurs within the parliamentary or municipal procedure. After submission, a motion is typically referred to a relevant committee or to the plenary for debate. The motionöärs influence depends on cross-party support, the strength of the arguments, and the chamber’s majority; motions may be rejected, referred for further consideration, or adopted as part of the body’s decisions or policy platform.

Related concepts include propositions from the government (regeringsförslag) and ordinary amendments to motions. While the term is chiefly used in Swedish-language contexts, equivalents in other countries describe the same role as the proposer or sponsor of a formal proposal.