2024 Liechtenstein referendums

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2024 Liechtenstein referendums

21 January referendums
Mandatory photovoltaic panels
For   33.4% Against   66.6% Proposal rejected
Reform of energy efficiency standards
For   34.8% Against   65.2% Proposal rejected
Electronic health records opt-in
For   46.1% Against   53.9% Proposal rejected
25 February referendum
Direct election of the members of government
For   32% Against   68% Proposal rejected
16 June referendum
Building of a new state hospital
For   53.7% Against   46.3% Proposal accepted
22 September referendum
Joining the IMF
For   55.8% Against   44.2% Proposal accepted

Seven referendums have been held in Liechtenstein in 2024, with an eighth set for December.

On 21 January 2024 voters were asked three questions: On introducing an obligation to install photovoltaic panels on non-residential buildings, on the reform of the energy standards in the building sector aimed at emulating those applied in Switzerland since 2014 and in the EU since 2010, as well as on stopping the automatic sending of electronic health records to health insurance beneficiaries.^[1][2] All three proposals were rejected by voters.^[3][4]

In addition, another referendum was held on 25 February 2024 with a question regarding direct elections of members of the government.^[5][6] The proposal was also rejected by voters.^[7] One further referendum was held on 16 June 2024 regarding the building of a new state hospital in Liechtenstein.^[8] The proposal was accepted by voters.^[9] Another referendum was held on 22 September 2024 regarding accession to the International Monetary Fund.^[10] The proposal was accepted by voters.^[11] Another referendum was held on 27 October 2024 regarding the privatization of Radio Liechtenstein.^[12] The proposal was accepted by voters.^[13]

Since 2023, all Liechtensteiner residents with health insurance receive an electronic health record, which contains medical history and treatments.^[14] The creation of a file containing personal health information regardless of a consent of the patient faced criticism.^[15]

In response, a signature campaign was launched by politicians of the Democrats for Liechtenstein to form a popular initiative.^[15] The aim was to change the creation of the electronic health record from automatic to only created for those who specifically consent to its creation, with it receiving 1,828 valid signatures. The Landtag of Liechtenstein rejected the proposal by a vote of 5 for and 20 against on 3 November 2023, thus making it a subject for referendum.^[14] The government called for the proposal to be rejected by voters.^[16]

Under the constitution of Liechtenstein, the Prime Minister of Liechtenstein and government is appointed by the sovereign prince of Liechtenstein in conjunction with the Landtag of Liechtenstein and is to command the confidence of both the prince and Landtag.^[17]

On 27 June 2023 the Democrats for Liechtenstein proposed a popular initiative for the constitution to be amended to change the election of Prime Minister and government to be elected then is given to the Landtag as a proposal, which is then voted for in secret ballots. If the parties with the highest number of votes enter into a coalition agreement following the election, then five of the six nominated candidates will form the future government. If no coalition agreement is reached, the party with the highest vote must nominate two additional government ministers who are not already a member.^[18]

The initiative received 1,994 valid signatures and was rejected by the Landtag by the vote of 3 for and 22 against on 5 December 2023, thus making it as a subject for referendum.^[19] The Patriotic Union came out against the proposal.^[20]

A fifth referendum on the building of a new state hospital took place on 16 June 2024 that asked voters regarding the provision of 6 million Swiss francs towards the building of a new state hospital in Liechtenstein.^[8] The initiative received 1,692 valid signatures on 12 April 2024, thus making it a subject for referendum.^[21] The proposal was accepted by voters.^[9]

A sixth referendum took take place on 22 September 2024 regarding Liechtenstein's accession to the International Monetary Fund.^[10] The accession received 2,743 valid signatures against it on 21 June 2024, thus making it a subject for referendum.^[22] The initiative was supported by Alois, Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein and prime minister Daniel Risch.^[23][24] The proposal was accepted by voters.^[11]

A seventh referendum took place on 27 October 2024 regarding the privatization of Radio Liechtenstein, the state broadcasting radio station of Liechtenstein.^[12] The initiative was spearheaded by the Democrats for Liechtenstein and received 1,729 valid signatures in favour of the privatisation on 2 August 2024.^[25] The Landtag rejected the proposal on 4 September, thus making it a subject for referendum.^[26] The proposal was supported by the Patriotic Union, but opposed by the Progressive Citizens' Party.^[27] The proposal was accepted by voters.^[13]

A eighth referendum is set to take place on 1 December 2024 regarding a package of measures proposed by the Liechtenstein Employee Pension Foundation (SPL), directed at a state pension fund. The proposal received 1,962 valid signatures on 11 October 2024, thus making it subject for referendum.^[28]