Advice from the Council of State

If the ministers agree on the draft bill, it is submitted for advice to the Council of State, the major advisory body to the Government. The Council of State checks the draft bill against contravention of other laws or treaties and examines its impact on the citizens.

The drafter of a bill does not need to follow the advice of the Council of State, but will do so in most cases and amend the text. The Council of State also advises on initiative bills presented by MPs. A draft bill is confidential as long as it is under consideration by the Council of State.