citizens' initiative and referendum
DRAFT LAW TO INTRODUCE CITIZENS' INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM INTO THE BASIC (CONSTITUTIONAL) LAW OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
In 1998 the social democratic and green/alliance 90 political parties agreed in their "red-green" coalition negotiations to include a statement of intention to introduce a law allowing citizen-lawmaking at the "country" level. (This is already possible in most Lands, and in many towns and districts). A bill was introduced rather late in the parliamentary session. There was a vote in the Bundestag which showed a majority in favour but the bill was not passed because a constitutional majority was not achieved. Too many opposition party MPs were against.
Again in 2002 the red-green government in its second consecutive term has a similar statement in the coalition agreement. Presumably the bill or a similar one will be presented again. There is a chance that enough opposition MPs will support so that the bill can become law.
There follows a translation showing the proposed reform, which would allow the practice of some elements of direct democracy (some short modifications are italicised).
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