Referenda in Sweden: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)
Since the introduction of parliamentarism in Sweden six referendums have been held. The Swedish Constitution (1974) provides for binding referendums. However none of the referendums held have been binding but rather of an advisory and consultative nature and not formally binding on the Riksdag. The latest referendum on Adopting the Euro was held on September 14, 2003 in the wake of the murder of Anna Lindh, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The referendum on joining the European Union was held on November 13, 1994.
 Politics of Sweden series |
| Constitution |
| Parliament |
| Government |
| Monarch |
| Speaker |
| Prime Minister |
| Elections |
| Referenda |
| Political parties |
| Agencies |
| Privy Council |
| The Estates |
| 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 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. Parliament ultimately interpreted the result in favour of a phase-out to be completed in 2010 (a date never mentioned in the actual alternatives), although the programs for this have not since been followed.
² In 1963 Parliament passed a government bill resulting in legislation that ordered a change from left-hand traffic. The changeover took place on September 3, 1967.
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