In the Parliamentary Services, Parliament has its own staff office independent of the rest of the Federal Administration. It works on behalf of the National Council and the Council of States and ensures continuity from one legislature to the next.
Organising Council and parliamentary committee meetings
Before the Councils can take decisions in the sessions, all business is discussed in advance in the committees. The Secretariats therefore have to plan and organise a large number of meetings.
Advising Council members
In order to delve deeper into specific issues, Council members can submit research requests to the parliamentary library and have information compiled for them.
Documenting the legislative process
The Councils often take divergent decisions. To ensure that the legislative process and the lines of argument are comprehensible for the ongoing deliberations and for future generations, all committee and Council meetings are minuted. As Council meetings are public, these minutes are published on the Parliament website, almost in real time.
Assuring access to information
The Parliamentary Services operate a digital platform where all information and functions for parliamentary work are available in one place: information on items of business and meetings, on the biographies of Council members, on planning and conducting meetings, etc. The Parliamentary Services also maintain the digital presence of the National Council and the Council of States and inform the public about Parliament and its activities.
Supporting Parliament in fostering international relations
Relations with foreign countries increasingly take place on a parliamentary level. The Parliamentary Services support the Council presidents and the corresponding delegations in planning and carrying out visits abroad and in hosting visits by foreign guests and delegations to Switzerland.
Opening Parliament’s doors to the public
Around 100,000 people visit Parliament every year. During the sessions, it is possible to follow Council debates from the galleries. Between sessions, the Parliamentary Services offer guided tours of the building. Open days are also held several times a year. It is worth booking early for session visits and guided tours.
Open Day schedule 2023
15 March (Museum Night)
4 May (childrens’ programme)
1 August
26 October
