Referendums in Sweden

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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. The referendum on joining the European Union was held on November 13, 1994.

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	Swedish referendum on 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. Alt 1 was a phase-out according to practical considerations, forbidding extension. Alt 2 was the same plus the principle of state-owned power plants and some other issues. Alt 3 was a phase-out within ten years. 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 anyway passed a government bill resulting in legislation that ordered a change from left-hand traffic. The changeover took place on September 3, 1967.