Comparative Analysis of the Role and Functions of Public Accounts Committees (PACs) & Accountability Mechanisms in Nordic Countries

A Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is an essential parliamentary bodies within a legislature found in many countries around the world to oversee the spending of public funds and ensure that the funds are used efficiently and effectively and ensures transparency and accountability within the government. Public Accounts Committees (PACs) play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending and also in holding the executive branch accountable for its use of public funds. This research conducts a comparative analysis of the role and functions of Public Accounts Committees (PACs) across Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden), aiming to provide insights into the variations and commonalities within these parliamentary oversight bodies. The analysis encompasses factors such as legal frameworks, parliamentary procedures, institutional relationships with audit offices, and the level of public engagement. By examining the structure, mandate, powers, and operational mechanisms of PACs in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, this study seeks to identify similarities and differences in their approaches to financial oversight. It will explore how these variations are shaped by factors like the specific institutional design of each Nordic parliament, the historical development of their public finance systems, and the cultural emphasis on transparency and good governance within these countries. Additionally, the research evaluates the effectiveness of PACs in fulfilling their oversight responsibilities and highlights potential challenges faced by these committees in the Nordic context. Ultimately, this comparative study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of parliamentary financial oversight mechanisms in Nordic countries and offer valuable insights for enhancing the accountability and transparency of public financial management systems.