What is a referendum?

A referendum is an instrument of direct democracy whereby eligible voters can vote on a resolution passed by the Landtag. In Liechtenstein, the number of signatures required for a referendum depends on the nature of the parliamentary resolution. 1,000 eligible voters are required for a referendum against ordinary laws or financial resolutions, whilst 1,500 eligible voters are required in the case of constitutional amendments or international treaties. The signatures must be collected and submitted within 30 days of the official publication of the Landtag’s resolution. A referendum may also be triggered by municipalities. This requires either three municipalities (in the case of laws) or four municipalities (in the case of the Constitution or international treaties). The Landtag may declare certain resolutions to be urgent, thereby excluding the right to a referendum.