Indirektna demokratija: referendumi u Evropi

The author contends that referendums are not 'direct democracy' but mediated mechanisms shaped by institutional rules. The text distinguishes between frequent referendums and occasional 'plebiscites' used by leaders to resolve social divisions or gain legitimacy. Using examples from Switzerland, Ireland, and Iceland, the author illustrates how different models operate. The central argument is that frequent use of referendums is preferable as it empowers citizens and demystifies the concept of a final 'general will'.

• Referendums cannot be considered a form of 'direct democracy' because the public interest and the will of the majority are always mediated by institutional rules, such as voting conditions, validity thresholds, and the rules governing who can initiate a vote.
• The author distinguishes between 'referendums', which are frequent political practices, and 'plebiscites', which are occasional votes often initiated by political leaders to address social divisions—such as nuclear energy or EU membership—or to confirm their own legitimacy.
• Different European models of referendums exist: Switzerland allows citizen-initiated proposals subject to parliamentary control regarding international obligations; Ireland requires referendums for any constitutional change; and Iceland uses referendums to resolve conflicts when the president refuses to sign an act of parliament.
• Frequent use of referendums is recommended as a pragmatic rule to empower citizens, allow them to learn from the results of their choices, and demystify the idea that the 'general will' expressed in a referendum is more authentic or final than that of general elections.

APA

Ostolski, A. (2021). Indirektna demokratija: referendumi u Evropi. Green European Journal. https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/wp-content/uploads/pdf/indirektna-demokratija-referendumi-u-evropi.pdf

Chicago

Ostolski, Adam. Indirektna demokratija: referendumi u Evropi. Green European Journal, 2021. https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/wp-content/uploads/pdf/indirektna-demokratija-referendumi-u-evropi.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Ostolski |first1=Adam |title=Indirektna demokratija: referendumi u Evropi |publisher=Green European Journal |date=15 October 2021 |url=https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/wp-content/uploads/pdf/indirektna-demokratija-referendumi-u-evropi.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{ostolski2021indirektna, author = {Ostolski, Adam}, title = {{Indirektna demokratija: referendumi u Evropi}}, institution = {Green European Journal}, year = {2021}, month = oct, url = {https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/wp-content/uploads/pdf/indirektna-demokratija-referendumi-u-evropi.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }