 He is the foremost representative of Sweden and pays state visits abroad and receives those to Sweden, he opens the annual session of the Riksdag, chairs the Special Council held during a change of Government (), holds regular Information Councils with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet (), chairs the meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council (), and receives Letters of Credence of foreign ambassadors to Sweden and signs those of Sweden to foreign nations.As this type of figurehead, he also voluntarily abstains from voting in Swedish elections.King Carl Gustaf holds the highest ranks in the three branches of the Swedish Armed Forces; this is due to the fact that he was, as stipulated by § 14 of the 1809 Instrument of Government in effect at the time of his accession to the throne in 1973, the Commander-in-Chief (; not to be confused with the military professional holding the position of Supreme Commander) and therefore he was promoted "ex officio" from his earlier ranks of captain (Army & Air Force) and lieutenant (Navy), to general and admiral.