Referendums in Sweden

Kingdom of Sweden

This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Sweden

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Since the introduction of parliamentarism in Sweden, six referendums have been held. The constitution of 1974 provides for binding referendums. However, none of the referendums held have been binding but rather have been of an advisory and consultative nature and not formally binding on the Riksdag. The latest referendum on Adopting the euro was held on 14 September 2003. The referendum on joining the European Union was held on 13 November 1994.

Year	Referendum	Participation	Yes	No		Blank	Result
2003	Joining the Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union	82.6%	42.0%	55.9%		2.1%	Reject
1994	Joining the European Union	83.3%	52.3%	46.8%		0.9%	Approve
Year	Referendum	Participation	Alt. 1	Alt. 2	Alt. 3	Blank	Outcome
1980	Reliance on nuclear power	75.7%	18.9%	39.1%	38.7%	3.3%	Alternative 2¹
1957	Tax funded pension system	72.4%	45.8%	15.0%	35.3%	3.9%	Alternative 1
Year	Referendum	Participation	Yes	No		Blank	Result
1955	Changing from left- to right-hand traffic	53.0%	15.5%	82.9%		1.6%	Reject²
1922	Prohibition of alcohol	55.1%	49.1%	50.9%		-	Reject

¹ The outcome of the 1980 referendum has been highly debated, as none of the alternatives gained a majority. Alt 1 was a phase-out according to practical considerations, forbidding extension. Alt 2 was the same plus the principle of state-owned power plants and some other issues. Alt 3 was a phase-out within ten years. The Riksdag ultimately interpreted the result in favour of a phase-out to be completed in 2010 (a date never mentioned in the actual alternatives), although the programs for this have not since been followed.
² In spite of this, in 1963, the Riksdag passed a government bill ordering a change to right-hand traffic. The changeover took place on September 3, 1967.

Local referendums

Referendums can be held in a municipality about a local political issue. Such referendums are common, and often held in connection with a general election, but also at other times. The municipalities in Sweden have comparatively little power, and can't change laws. Local referendums requesting a law change are sometimes held anyway, and can be seen as political statements towards the government.

See also

• Swedish Election Authority

External links

• Swedish Election Authority - Official site