2024 Liechtenstein referendums

Five referendums have been held in Liechtenstein in 2024, with a sixth planned for September. On 21 January 2024 voters were asked three questions: On introducing an obligation to install photovoltaic panels on non-residential buildings, on the reform of the energy standards in the building sector aimed at emulating those applied in Switzerland since 2014 and in the EU since 2010, as well as on stopping the automatic sending of electronic health records to health insurance beneficiaries. All three proposals were rejected by voters.

In addition, another referendum was held on 25 February 2024 with a question regarding direct elections of members of the government. The proposal was also rejected by voters. One further referendum was held on 16 June 2024 regarding the building of a new state hospital in Liechtenstein. The proposal was accepted by voters.

Electronic health records opt-in
Since 2023, all Liechtensteiner residents with health insurance receive an electronic health record, which contains medical history and treatments. The creation of a file containing personal health information regardless of a consent of the patient faced criticism.

In response, a signature campaign was launched by politicians of the Democrats for Liechtenstein to form a popular initiative. The aim was to change the creation of the electronic health record from automatic to only created for those who specifically consent to its creation, with it receiving 1,828 valid signatures. The Landtag of Liechtenstein rejected the proposal by a vote of 5 for and 20 against on 3 November 2023, thus making it a subject for referendum. The government called for the proposal to be rejected by voters.

Direct election of the members of government
Under the constitution of Liechtenstein, the Prime Minister of Liechtenstein and government is elected under a direct election and is appointed by the sovereign prince of Liechtenstein in conjunction with the Landtag of Liechtenstein and is to command the confidence of both the prince and Landtag.

On 27 June 2023 the Democrats for Liechtenstein proposed a popular initiative for the constitution to be amended to change the election of Prime Minister and government to be elected then is given to the Landtag as a proposal, which is then voted for in secret ballots. If the parties with the highest number of votes enter into a coalition agreement following the election, then five of the six nominated candidates will form the future government. If no coalition agreement is reached, the party with the highest vote must nominate two additional government ministers who are not already a member.

The initiative received 1,994 valid signatures and was rejected by the Landtag by the vote of 3 for and 22 against on 5 December 2023, thus making it as a subject for referendum. The Patriotic Union came out against the proposal.

Building of a new state hospital
A fifth referendum on the building of a new state hospital took place on 16 June 2024 that asked voters regarding the provision of 6 million Swiss francs towards the building of a new state hospital in Liechtenstein. The initiative received 1,692 valid signatures on 12 April 2024, thus making it a subject for referendum. The proposal was accepted by voters.

22 September
A sixth referendum will take place on 22 September 2024 regarding Liechtenstein's accession to the International Monetary Fund. The accession received 2,743 valid signatures against it on 21 June 2024, thus making it a subject for referendum.