plenisalen

Plenisalen, or the plenary hall, is the principal chamber of a deliberative assembly where all elected members participate in plenary sessions. In contrast to committee rooms, where smaller groups scrutinize details, the plenisalen hosts formal debates, negotiations, and voting on legislation. The hall is typically designed to accommodate the full membership, with a presiding officer’s dais, a central speaking area, and seating arranged by party groups or blocs.

During plenary sessions, agenda items such as bills, budgets, and motions are discussed, amended, and voted on. Procedures vary by country but commonly include limits on speaking time, an order of business, and one or more methods of voting (for example roll call, voice vote, or electronic voting). The presiding officer, often called a speaker or president of the assembly, enforces rules, recognizes speakers, and maintains decorum.

Etymology and usage: plenisalen derives from the term plenary session (plenum) and the word hall. The term is used in several languages, including Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish, with local variants such as pleniumssalen or plenumssalen. In everyday practice, the plenary hall contrasts with smaller chamber spaces where committees conduct their work.

See also: plenary session, legislature, parliamentary procedure, speaker.