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Issues that can be proposed by citizens using the initiative process at the national level

Finland

Finland

Answer
Agenda initiatives - legislative proposals
Source

THE FINNISH CONSTITUTION

(Adopted1999; last amended 2011)

http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/kaannokset/1999/en19990731.pdf

 

Section 53, sub-section 3

At least fifty thousand Finnish citizens entitled tovote have the right to submit an initiative for the enactment of an Act to theParliament, as provided by an Act.

 

Section 73

A proposal on the enactment, amendment or repeal ofthe Constitution or on the enactment of a limited derogation of theConstitution shall in the second reading be left in abeyance, by a majority ofthe votes cast, until the first parliamentary session following parliamentaryelections. The proposal shall then, once the Committee has issued its report,be adopted without material alterations in one reading in a plenary session bya decision supported by at least two thirds of the votes cast.

 

However, theproposal may be declared urgent by a decision that has been supported by atleast five sixths of the votes cast. In this event, the proposal is not left inabeyance and it can be adopted by a decision supported by at least two thirdsof the votes cast.

 

 

CITIZENS' INITIATIVE ACT

(Adopted2012)

http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/alkup/2012/20120012

 

Section 4,sub-section 1

A citizens’ initiative may include either a billor a proposal that a bill drafting process should be started. The initiativemust explain the reasons behind the proposal, and must also have a titledescribing its contents. The initiative must be dated.
Comment

It is unclear whether an agenda initiative canpropose a constitutional amendment. By Section 73 of the Constitution,Constitutional amendments take the form of legislative proposals in Parliament.

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