Cantonal referendum
A cantonal referendum is the right of at least eight cantons in Switzerland to demand a referendum on a federal law passed by parliament or on certain federal decisions and certain international agreements. The cantonal referendum can be taken against exactly the same legislative decrees against which the “normal” optional referendum by 50,000 voters is permitted. The constitutional basis is Article 141 of the Federal Constitution of the Swiss Confederation .
The cantonal referendum is one of the oldest direct democratic instruments in Switzerland. The only cantonal initiative so far since 1874 dates back to 2003: eleven cantons launched a referendum against the “Federal law on the amendment of decrees in the area of marriage and family taxation, home ownership taxation and stamp duties” because they feared massive tax losses. In this special case, however, there would have been a referendum anyway, since a “normal” referendum with over 50,000 signatures was held at the same time. The referendum on May 16, 2004 following the cantonal referendum was won by the cantons.
The cantons are free to decide which of their bodies can use the instrument. In most cantons, the cantonal parliament is responsible for this .
See also
Individual evidence
- ↑ Swissinfo : First cantonal referendum since 1874 , September 16, 2003, accessed on September 26, 2016
- ↑ BBl 2003 7056