Folketingets Ombudsmand
Summary
Folketingets Ombudsmand (the Danish Parliamentary Ombudsman) was inaugurated in 1955 and is governed by the Ombudsmandsloven (consolidated act, lovbekendtgorelse nr. 349 af 22. marts 2013). The Ombudsman is a law graduate elected by the Folketing after each general election; the outgoing Ombudsman continues in office until a new appointment is made (for a maximum of six months after an election). The Folketing may dismiss the Ombudsman at any time if confidence is withdrawn. The Ombudsman investigates complaints from individuals about central and local government administration, and may also initiate own-motion investigations. Under the Ombudsmandsloven, the Ombudsman has a statutory right of access to all documents and information held by public authorities. The Ombudsman cannot overturn administrative decisions but issues opinions, criticisms, and recommendations that carry significant practical authority. Annual reports are submitted to the Folketing and made public.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Legislative appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | Not specified |
| Removal standard | At will (weak protection) |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Lov om Folketingets Ombudsmand (Ombudsmandsloven)
- Citation
- Lovbekendtgorelse nr. 349 af 22. marts 2013 (Ombudsmandsloven)
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Civil and military central government administration and local government administration; investigates complaints from individuals about public administration decisions, practices, and conditions; conducts own-motion investigations