Referendum in Austria: profiteering or citizen participation?

Referendum in Austria: profiteering or citizen participation?

Austria's referendums have become a plaything for interests and businesses! Since the introduction of online support in 2018, citizens have been able to give their consent to a referendum with just a few clicks, without having to go to an office in person. But that also has a dark side: If a referendum receives more than 100,000 signatures, the initiator collects a whopping 17,100 euros. After deducting the fees, you are left with a profit of around 13,700 euros, which did not go unnoticed. Manuel Plöchl, the head of the registration office in St. Andrä-Wördern, describes this as “profiteering” and demands that only the costs be reimbursed in order to eliminate the profit. This means that the “matters of the heart” of Austrians should have priority, as Plöchl said in an interview with ZIB2.

The numbers speak for themselves: the number of referendums has almost doubled since 2018. However, there is no reform on this issue in the government program, which further fuels the debate among politicians. Plöchl's proposal “Stop enriching the referendum” has currently collected around 16,000 declarations of support. He doesn't think the 100,000 signature mark will be reached, but plans to donate most of the money if it does. Lawyer Marcus Hohenecker, who has already submitted eight referendums since 2020, sees this discussion as a “debate of envy” and firmly rejects the accusation of just wanting to make money. “The goal is to bring socially relevant issues to parliament,” said Hohenecker.

The path to the referendum

In order to have a referendum discussed in the National Council, at least 100,000 eligible voters or one sixth of the eligible voters from three federal states must agree with their signature. What is new is that Austrians abroad can also take part using ID Austria or EU Login. Registration takes place on site or within fixed periods within the communities. The registration offices are open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on certain days until 8 p.m. These regulations are crucial for the dissemination and support of referendums.