Citizen's Initiative to continue

On May 1 2006, the so-called citizens’ initiative was introduced. Via the citizens’ initiative, citizens can put forward a proposal to improve the environment, education or public transport, for example. Supported by at least 40.000 signatures, a proposal can be put on the political agenda of the House of Representatives.Over the past months, the regulation has been evaluated and the House has decided to continue the citizens’ initiative. However, two things have changed.

Digital declarations of support
The most important change is that citizens can now submit digital declarations of support in addition to signatures on paper. These will be examined at random and the signature on paper will be demanded. Digital signatures are not possible yet, but the House will investigate the possibilities for this in future.

Presence of members of government
There will also be a change in the presence of members of government during the debate on a citizens’ initiative. The House thinks that the point of view of the House about a citizens’ initiative should be able to be influenced by the government’s perspective. That is why the initiative has been changed to include the possibility of asking the government’s opinion during the plenary session on a citizens’ initiative.

• Read more on the citizen's initiative.