fremsóknarræður

Fremsóknarræður are a category of political rhetoric found in Icelandic parliamentary and public-discourse contexts. The term describes speeches delivered by proponents of a proposal—such as a bill, amendment, or policy initiative—intended to advance the proposal through the legislative process. The word combines fremsókn (advancement or submission) and ræða (speech).

Purpose and content of fremsóknarræður typically include presenting the proposal, justifying its goals, outlining policy details, discussing costs and implementation, and concluding with a call to support moving the proposal to the next stage or to a vote. A well-structured fremsóknarræða aims to persuade colleagues by linking the proposal to broader objectives, presenting evidence, and clarifying practical implications.

Context and usage of fremsóknarræður occur most commonly in plenary debates within parliament, but they may also appear in committees, public hearings, or as accompanying written statements. They can be delivered orally or read aloud as part of a formal process. The genre exists alongside other forms of legislative discourse, and its emphasis on progression through procedural steps distinguishes it from motions or general policy debates.

Relation to broader discourse: fremsóknarræður are part of a larger ecosystem of political rhetoric, where proposals are argued for and scrutinized. They are evaluated on clarity of aims, feasibility, fiscal impact, and alignment with legal or constitutional constraints, in addition to persuasiveness.

See also: Ræða (speech); Alþingi (Icelandic Parliament); Political rhetoric.