ordfører

Ordfører is a political office used in Norway and Denmark to designate the chair of a municipal or county council. In Norway, ordfører most commonly refers to the chair of the municipal council (kommunestyret). The precise powers vary by municipality, since the executive functions are usually carried out by the administrative head—the municipal director (kommunedirektør or rådmann)—and by the political leadership of the council.

Role and responsibilities

The ordfører presides over council meetings, ensures that procedures are followed, and represents the municipality in ceremonial duties and in some inter-municipal or external contexts. The position is typically intended to be a unifying, coordinating role within the council, emphasizing facilitation and public representation rather than independent policy decisions. In practice, the ordfører often acts as the public face of the council and helps coordinate political work across committees and party groups.

Election, term, and powers

The ordfører is usually elected by the municipal council for the term of the council, commonly four years, and can usually be re-elected. The role is generally reserved for a council member. The ordfører does not typically hold autonomous executive veto power; legitimate decisions are taken by the council or by its committees, with the administrative head implementing policies. At the county level, the corresponding position is the fylkesordfører, chair of the county council (fylkestinget).

Nordic context

In Denmark, ordfører is the chair of the municipal council and carries a similar ceremonial and representative function, with actual administration handled by the municipality’s chief executive. The exact remit of an ordfører varies between municipalities and regions, but the core function centers on leadership of council proceedings and external representation.