House Rules of FEDRA

Article I: Chair and Deputies
§1 Chair
The Speaker of FOSS serves as the Chair of FEDRA and presides over all sessions.
The Chair is responsible for enforcing the House Rules, maintaining order, and managing speaking and voting procedures.

§2 Deputies
The Vice Speakers of FEDRA are simultaneously the Majority Leader and Minority Leader.
The Majority Leader supports the Speaker as First Vice Speaker and represents them in their absence.
The Minority Leader acts as Second Vice Speaker and presides if both the Speaker and Majority Leader are unavailable.
Vice Speakers participate in session management and assist in preparing the agenda.

Article II: Faction Leadership and Responsibilities
§3 Majority Leader (First Vice Speaker)
The Majority Leader represents the largest faction or coalition.
They coordinate the parliamentary work of the majority and work closely with the Chair.
They introduce motions and legislative proposals on behalf of their faction and lead majority strategy.

§4 Minority Leader (Second Vice Speaker)
The Minority Leader represents the largest opposition faction.
They ensure parliamentary control and critique of the majority.
They advise on agenda planning and submit counterproposals.

Article III: Election and Term of Speaker, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader
§5 Election of the Speaker
The Speaker of FOSS is elected by the members of FEDRA by secret ballot.

An absolute majority of valid votes is required for election.

If no candidate achieves an absolute majority in the first round, a runoff is held between the two candidates with the most votes.

The Speaker’s term lasts for the entire legislative period of FEDRA and ends with the election of a successor or removal.

Removal of the Speaker can occur through a constructive vote of no confidence with an absolute majority.

§6 Election of the Vice Speakers (Majority and Minority Leaders)
The Majority Leader is elected internally by the largest faction or coalition in FEDRA.
The Minority Leader is elected internally by the largest opposition faction in FEDRA.
Elections are conducted according to the respective faction statutes, usually by secret ballot.
The elected candidates are presented to the plenary for confirmation, which requires a simple majority of present members.
The term of the Vice Speakers lasts for the entire legislative period of FEDRA and ends with the election of successors or removal.
Removal can be decided by the respective faction or by a vote in the plenary.

§7 General Provisions on Elections
Candidates may be nominated by members; self-nominations are permitted.
Elections are conducted by the FEDRA Speaker to ensure neutrality.
Voting may be electronic, written, or oral depending on technical capabilities and agreements.
Election results are announced immediately and recorded.

Article IV: Sessions and Agenda
§8 Schedule of Sessions
FEDRA meets regularly at least once a month.
Extraordinary sessions may be convened by the Speaker or upon written request by one-third of the members.

§9 Agenda
The agenda is set by the Chair in consultation with the Vice Speakers.
Requests to amend the agenda must be submitted at least 48 hours before the session begins.
Urgent motions require approval by at least two-thirds of the members.

Article V: Speaking Rules
§10 Right to Speak
Every member has the right to speak on agenda items.
Requests to speak must be submitted to the Chair, who determines the order of speakers.
Personal attacks and disruptions are prohibited.

§11 Speaking Time
The regular speaking time is five minutes.
For important motions, speaking time may be extended to ten minutes.
To ensure orderly proceedings, the Chair may shorten speaking time.

Article VI: Motions and Legislative Procedures
§12 Submission of Motions
Motions must be submitted in writing with a justification.
Urgency motions require majority approval.

§13 Debate and Amendments
Motions are dealt with in the order of submission.
Amendments must also be submitted in writing and relate to the main motion.

Article VII: Voting
§14 Voting Procedures
Votes are generally open unless one-third of members request a secret ballot.
In case of a tie, the motion is considered rejected.

§15 Results and Minutes
Voting results are recorded in the minutes.
Roll-call votes may be requested by one-quarter of the members.

Article VIII: Order and Discipline
§16 Maintaining Order
The Chair and Vice Speakers ensure order during sessions.
Disruptions receive a verbal warning first.
Persistent disruptions can lead to loss of speaking rights or expulsion from the session.

§17 Sanctions
FEDRA may reprimand or suspend members by majority decision.
Serious offenses are referred to the Ethics Committee or judiciary.

Article IX: Committees
§18 Formation and Tasks
FEDRA may establish standing or ad hoc committees.
Committees draft legislation, conduct investigations, and report to the plenary.