Berlin: reform of direct democracy
On May 18 the parliament of the German federal state of Berlin has passed a law, that makes it easier for citizens to start popular initiatives and to initiate referendums. To take effect, this constitutional amendment still needs to be adopted by the citizens themselves. The referendum will be held on September 17, together with the general elections in Berlin.
The reform of legislation is part of a larger package of constitutional amendments, at the same time strengthening the mayor of Berlin, giving more and better information rights to MPs and improving direct democracy. Prospectively 170.000 signatures will suffice to initiate a referendum. Currently, more than 240.000 are needed. Also the time for collecting the signatures will be expanded from two to four months. Popular initiatives with effect on the budget are no longer automatically prohibited. The citizens also gain the right to amend the constitution - at least theoretically. In this case nearly half a million signatures are needed for a popular initiative and the amendment takes effect only if two thirds of the voters vote yes and this majority stands for at least half of those eligible to vote.
Mehr Demokratie has accompanied the process with a campaign and called for reform of the regulation (see report). The reform is a result of these efforts.
