Developments in the implementation of the popular initiative in Austria at the time of COVID-19 pandemic Cover Image

Zmiany w realizacji inicjatywy ludowej w Austrii w warunkach pandemii COVID-19
Developments in the implementation of the popular initiative in Austria at the time of COVID-19 pandemic

Author(s): Edyta Tkaczyk
Subject(s): Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence
Published by: Kancelaria Sejmu
Keywords: popular initiative; preventing COVID-19 from spreading; freedom of movement; bill; filing of an application

Summary/Abstract: The article is devoted to popular initiative in Austria with reference to actions aimed at preventing COVID-19 from spreading. Due to the emergence of threat in the form of COVID-19, the popular initiative expressed in Article 41(2) of the Constitution of Austria has changed in terms of its meaning. The state of COVID-19 pandemic forced Austrian legislature to change the law, including amendments to the act of 2016 on popular initiative. The popular initiative act was amended in § 24(1) and (2) by introducing certain restrictions on the fulfillment of this initiative. In April 2020, the popular initiative act was amended by suspending the deadlines referred to in § 4(1) and § 6(1), and revoking the already established periods of entry, pursuant to § 6(2). This modification was made with a view to smoothly implement the popular initiative with regard to counteracting COVID-19. Based on these provisions, the implementation of the popular initiative has changed its shape.

  • Issue Year: 2021
  • Issue No: 5
  • Page Range: 267-286
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: English, Polish