Potential for abuse – Coalition wants to reduce money for referendum

The introduction of a referendum currently costs 3421.50 euros. When 100,000 signatures are reached, there is the return five times (17,107.50 euros). Now the coalition and the Ministry of the Interior have expressed a potential for abuse. Because the referendum can be digitally supported (2018), their number has increased considerably. In the past year, 14 desires were signed, others were in the so -called introductory phase. Currently, more than 40 in this phase, including one for animal welfare, are one for a private fireworks ban and a desire for a WHOexit.

Alternative to opinion points?
“For example, a special abuse is if you make referendums for something and against something, for example for smoking zones. That means it makes an investigation out of an opinion and also collects the money for two referendum,” said ÖVP constitutional spokesperson Wolfgang Gertl.

It is “conceivable” that initiators would only be replaced by the actual costs in the future, said Spö Constitutional spokeswoman Mona Duzdar. “However, we must ensure that there is still a suitable cost reimbursement,” said the Neos, who can also make friends with a reform.

Ministry: “Digital space cheaper”
“People’s request is an important means to guarantee the possibility of democratic participation. Abuse of this important democratic instrument – with the exclusive goal of gaining a monetary benefit – has been rejected,” said it on Tuesday from the Ministry of the Interior. The current rates would still assume that extensive print varieties to make the projects known. Nowadays, however, this shifted cheaper to digital space “.