Celebratory and Commemorative Sittings

Apart from the regular sittings of the National Council, the Federal Council and the Federal Assembly, the National Council and Federal Council may also meet jointly for celebratory and commemorative sittings.

In accordance with a National Council resolution and a similar resolution of the Federal Council dating back to 1997, the fifth of May – the day Mauthausen concentration camp was liberated – is celebrated as a memorial day against violence and racism. Every year, a commemorative sitting is held in the former meeting chamber of the House of Representatives (where the Federal Assembly now meets).

Commemorative sittings are also held following the deaths of high-ranking individuals, and on major national anniversaries, such as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Republic. Celebratory and commemorative sittings are closed to the general public, and admission is restricted to invited guests.