Interpellation (politics)

The interpellation is a formal parliamentary question to the government.

It provides a parliamentary control agent is giving to each Member ( Interpellators ) the right ( right of interpellation ) is given, ask one or more ministers of the government to justify with respect to a political act, a particular situation, as well as general or specific aspects of government policy.

Interpellations are characterized by the fact that they can be terminated by a formal application that puts the responsibility of the government or a member of the government in question, or includes a recommendation to the address of the government. Minister may be questioned solely for their politics and not their intentions.

Situation in Germany

In the German Bundestag distinction is made between large requests, inquiries and requests from individual small Bundestag members.

Situation in Austria

• In Parliament (183 MPs), the interpellation of 5 members can be submitted. The request can be made here to the members of the Federal Government, the Court President and the chairmen of the committees of the National Council.
• In the Bundesrat (62 members) the request of 3 members can be introduced to the Federal President and the Chairperson of the Bundesrat.

Of the members of the Federal Government, the Auditor General and the President of the Bundesrat, the answer must be made within two months.

There is the possibility to introduce a urgent request per meeting of the National or Federal Council. The answer and the debate shall first be made on the same day ( at a contribution to 15 clock ).

Situation in Switzerland

In the political system of Switzerland interpellations are possible at the federal and cantonal level, and partly also at the community level.

At federal level, interpellations a tool to control the Bundesrat. You can by every member of one of the two councils ( National Council and Council ) to be submitted. Interpellators requires the Federal Council in writing about any matter of policy or the federal government. The Federal Council also responds in writing. If the Interpellators is not satisfied with the answer, he may request a discussion of each Council. If the Council approves this request, the question is discussed in the presence of the Member of the Federal Council.

Normally, the response is made in the following session. If the interpellation urgent, then the Federal Council must give the answer to that same session. About the urgency of interpellation decides the Council Office.

The interpellation is a parliamentary instrument of action. There also exist Motion, postulate, parliamentary initiative, simple request and question time. These instruments are also referred to as parliamentary initiatives.