There have been 14 citizens' initiatives in Saxony's municipalities this year. Three referendums were also held, according to the annual report of the "Mehr Demokratie" association. The association criticized the fact that the majority of citizens' petitions failed due to formal hurdles. There should be simplifications.
Of the 14 citizens' petitions, 11 were declared inadmissible. This proportion is higher than ever before in Saxony. One case had been taken over by the city council and two proceedings had not yet been concluded.
The association "Mehr Demokratie" called for the abolition of the cost recovery proposal for citizens' petitions and a formal examination of the petition before the collection of signatures begins. When done well, direct democracy can be a "frustration protection tool", it said.
Public referendums on industrial estates and wind power
The three public referendums took place in Hohnstein, Radeberg and Arnsdorf. In the latter two municipalities, the issue was a cross-border industrial estate. In Hohnstein in Saxon Switzerland, a vote was held on whether the municipality should take all legally possible measures to prevent wind turbines in the municipal area. A good three quarters of those involved voted yes.
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