Government Aims to Address Abuse in Referendums

Currently, a referendum costs 3,421.50 euros, and with over 100,000 signatures, one receives 17,107.50 euros back. Both the ÖVP and SPÖ see potential for abuse, and the Ministry of the Interior supports reform plans. On Monday evening, the registration week for three referendums ended. An initiative against the ORF household levy gathered enough signatures (119,368). However, a "car referendum" and another one demanding a ban on enrichment for the initiators of referendums failed.

Significant Increase in Referendums Due to Digitalization

Representatives from the ÖVP and SPÖ want to address the latter point. The number of referendums has increased significantly since they can be supported digitally - the option to support via ID-Austria was introduced in 2018. Last year alone, 14 referendums were available for signature. ÖVP constitutional spokesperson Wolfgang Gerstl identified a potential misuse in the flood of referendums in recent years on ORF's ZiB on Monday: "A particular case of misuse is, for example, when referendums are made for and against something, such as for smoking zones, against smoking zones. This means turning an opinion into a survey and collecting money for two referendums," said the member of parliament.

SPÖ constitutional spokesperson Muna Duzdar sees it similarly: "It is conceivable that during a discussion process we could agree that in the future the proponents of referendums should only be reimbursed for the actual costs," she told ORF. The third coalition partner, the NEOS, also stated on Tuesday in response to an APA inquiry that they are open to a "measured reform." "However, we must ensure that there continues to be an appropriate reimbursement of costs," said a party spokesperson.

Referendums: Ministry of the Interior "Welcomes" Initiative

The Ministry of the Interior, responsible for referendums, stated on Tuesday in response to an APA inquiry that the efforts of the parties represented in parliament are "expressly welcomed." "Referendums are an important means to ensure the possibility of democratic participation. Abuse of this important democratic instrument - with the sole aim of gaining a monetary advantage - is to be rejected."

In the written statement from the Ministry of the Interior, it was also pointed out that the current fee rates (from the year 2018) were still based on the costly production of printed materials to announce the project. "Today, however, this has shifted to the digital space (and thus significantly cheaper)." The Ministry of the Interior is available to the parties represented in Parliament "at any time during the preparatory process of an amendment with its experts and their expertise," it said.

FPÖ for the Removal of Flat Costs for Referendums

The FPÖ is also in favor of changes: "We can imagine a replacement of the actual costs instead of a flat cost replacement, if the flat costs of initiation are also eliminated," it said in a written statement. Because these are "already today an unjustifiable financial hurdle and questionable in light of the principle of equality, as democratic participation of a large part of the population is hindered and made impossible for financial reasons." However, if the initiation costs remain unchanged, the FPÖ is against the elimination of the flat cost replacement, "as submitting a referendum would indirectly be subject to costs in this case." In terms of strengthening direct democracy, this would be a "step backward." The FPÖ will not shy away from discussions on a reorganization, "but will not support measures that justify a weakening of direct democracy."

Greens: Change in Referendums Only with Strengthening of Direct Democracy

The Greens also emphasized on Tuesday that a change must lead to a strengthening of direct democracy and must not result in a deterioration of access. It must still be possible for everyone to "bring initiatives from the population to Parliament with low barriers," said Justice and Constitution spokesperson Alma Zadic. It must be self-evident "that the initiators should continue to receive a certain cost reimbursement, as before, if costs - for example, for printing and advertising - arise." At the same time, referendums should not be a "source of income for a few." "Then the focus would also be more on those referendums that want to bring real concerns of the population to Parliament," emphasized Zadic.

(APA/Red)

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