Referenda in Sweden
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Since the introduction of parliamentarism in Sweden six referenda has been held. The Swedish Constitution (1974) provides for deciding referenda. However none of the referenda held have been deciding but rather of an advisory nature and formally not binding for the Riksdag. The latest referendum on Adopting the Euro was held on September 14, 2003 in the wake of the murder of Anna Lindh, Minister for Foreign Affairs. The referendum on joing the European Union was held on November 13, 1994.
| Year | Referendum | Participation | Yes | No | Blank | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Adopting the Euro | 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 side traffic | 53.0% | 15.5% | 82.9% | 1.6% | Reject² | |
| 1922 | Prohibition | 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. The parliament ultimately interpreted the result in favour of a phase-out completed in 2010 (a date never mentioned in the actual alternatives), although the programs for this have not since been followed.
² The parliament followed this decision until 1967, when Sweden changed to right hand side traffic without holding a second referendum on the matter.
See also
External links