Spain

Law-making

Data on parliament’s law-making role and activities

Legislative activity

Number of laws adopted by parliament, per year

74

(2022)

Notes:

Annual totals include both ordinary and organic laws, as well as legislative decrees.

Other than by parliament or the Executive, laws may be initiated by the Assemblies of the Autonomous Communities by a request to their Government to adopt or send a bill to the Congress Committee. They may send up to three delegates to the parliament to defend said bill;

Laws (with the exception of specific organic laws, tax, or international law) may also be initiated by the exercise of popular initiative with a minimum of 500,000 accredited signatures (Constitution, art. 87).

See historical data for this field

Total number of laws adopted by Parliament in the previous legislature

“Legislature” refers to the full period between the first session of a new legislature until it’s dissolution.

View field in the data dictionary

215

(2023-08 - 2023-11)

See historical data for this field

Number of laws adopted in the previous legislature that were initiated by parliament

In some cases other entities have the right to initiate legislation in national parliaments – such as citizens, autonomous regions, and other high-level government institutions.

View field in the data dictionary

27

(2023-08 - 2023-11)

Number of laws adopted in the previous legislature that were initiated by the government

In some cases other entities have the right to initiate legislation in national parliaments – such as citizens, autonomous regions, and other high-level government institutions.

View field in the data dictionary

188

(2023-08 - 2023-11)

Percentage of laws initiated by parliament in the previous legislature

The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of the laws adopted that were initiated by parliament by the total number of laws adopted in the previous legislature.

View field in the data dictionary

13%

(2023-08 - 2023-11)

Compare data of this field

Dates of the previous legislature

Refers to the full period between the first session of a new legislature until it’s dissolution

View field in the data dictionary

03 Dec 2019 to 17 Aug 2023

(2023-08 - 2023-11)

See historical data for this field

Outcome when the two chambers cannot agree on a piece of draft legislation

For bicameral parliaments: Outcome when the two chambers cannot agree on a piece of draft legislationNot applicable; The legislation cannot be adopted unless both chambers agree; The decision of the lower chamber will take effect after a certain deadline; The decision of the upper chamber will take effect after a certain deadline; Other (please specify) For bicameral parliaments: Outcome when the two chambers cannot agree on a piece of draft legislation

View field in the data dictionary

The decision of the lower chamber will take effect after a certain deadline

Sources: Constitution, art. 90

Compare data of this field

Executive-legislative relations

Legislation adopted by parliament requires the assent of the Head of State

In some countries, the Constitution foresees that legislation adopted by parliament must be signed into law by the Head of State. If so, the Head of State may, for example, have the power to veto the legislation, return it to parliament, or submit it to another body such as a constitutional court.

View field in the data dictionary

Yes

Sources: Constitution, art. 62 and 91

Compare data of this field

Number of times the Head of State declined to give assent to legislation, per year

In some countries, the Constitution foresees that legislation adopted by parliament must be signed into law by the Head of State. If so, the Head of State may, for example, have the power to veto the legislation, return it to parliament, or submit it to another body such as a constitutional court.

View field in the data dictionary

No information available

Compare data of this field

Consequences when the Head of State declines to give assent to legislation

Consequences when the Head of State declines to give assent to legislation: Not applicable; No further action is taken. The legislation is rejected; The legislation is returned to Parliament for re-examination; The legislation is referred to the Constitutional/Supreme Court;The legislation is put to a referendum; Other (please specify)

View field in the data dictionary

Not applicable

Final decision when parliament and the Head of State do not agree

Final decision when parliament and the Head of State do not agree: Not applicable; Parliament; Head of State; Constitutional/Supreme Court; Other (please specify)

View field in the data dictionary

Not applicable

Compare data of this field

Existence of a procedure to introduce emergency legislation

See historical data for this field

Click for historical data