Facts and Arguments about the Introduction of Initiative and ...

accession to the European Union. In 2004, 86.8% voted in
favour of snap elections once again.
Spain
The Spanish constitution stipulates that the government and
the parliament can hold a plebiscite on a matter of national
importance. However, there are many exceptions: amendments
to the constitution, taxes, the budget, and matters on
which the parliament has absolute authority. In addition,
75,000 citizens can submit a type of petition. This can lead
to a referendum, but as it needs the approval of the president,
it is not a fully-fledged popular initiative referendum. An interesting
aspect is that the initiators of a petition can obtain
repayment of a part of their costs. This referendum money is
subject to a participation quorum of 50% of the voters. There
have been six national plebiscites since 1945. At the regional
level, there is no form of referendum; at municipal level, the
municipal council can hold a local plebiscite.
Examples
In 1978, a constitutional amendment was approved by no
less than 91.3% of the voters. In 1986, the Spaniards voted
on whether or not to remain a member of NATO: 56.9%
voted in favour. In 2005, the European Constitution was
approved by 76.7% of the voters.
Sweden
As in France, the Swedish government also makes use of
plebiscites. The Social Democratic Party had dominated
Swedish politics since the 1920s, but in 2006 a Conservative
government was elected. Five plebiscites have been
held since 1945. Plebiscites are only binding under certain
circumstances. At the local level, there is only a right to submit
an agenda item.
Examples
In 1980, a triple choice plebiscite was held on nuclear
policy. The middle option – constructing 12 nuclear power
stations that would be replaced after 25 years by alternative
energy sources – received the highest share of the votes
(40.5%). In 1994, 52.9% of the voters approved accession
to the European Union. In 2003, 55.9% voted against the
introduction of the euro.