Spurningamál

Spurningamál is an Icelandic term that literally means “question matter” and is used primarily in political and parliamentary contexts. In Iceland, spurningamál refers to formal questions submitted by members of Alþingi, the national parliament, to government ministers. These questions are intended to obtain information, prompt explanation of public policy, or hold the executive to account. A spurningamál is typically submitted for a upcoming or ongoing session, and the minister is expected to provide an answer, either orally during plenary debate or in writing within a set timeframe. They are a standard instrument of parliamentary oversight and public accountability and are commonly recorded in the official parliamentary proceedings and cited by the media.

Etymology and scope: The term is a compound of spurning (question) and mál (matter or affair). While most often encountered in the parliamentary arena, the concept can appear in journalism and political analysis to describe the bundle of questions raised by MPs at a given time or the broader topic of inquiry within a debate.

Procedure: The submission and handling of spurningamál are governed by Alþingi’s rules and standing orders. These govern eligibility, formatting, and deadlines, as well as which minister is responsible for answering. Depending on the question, follow-up inquiries may be allowed, and responses may be published in the official record.

See also: Alþingi, spurning (question), þingmál (parliamentary matter).