Riksdag also interprets the results (sometimes the outcome is not clear cut, e.g. the nuclear power referendum of 1980).
Ahead of the 1980, 1994 and 2003 referendums, all the parties with seats in the Riksdag promised to follow the outcome of the vote.
The referendum was held on initiative of the Swedish temperance movements, and although the Riksdag followed the outcome of this non-binding referendum the consumption of alcoholic beverages in Sweden continued to be restricted in other ways (the Bratt System rationing and through the governmental alcohol monopoly Systembolaget among other restrictions).
The outcome was considered an upset victory for those that rejected prohibition as the temperance movements were much more organized and more active in the campaign.
The fourth national Swedish referendum, concerning the form of discontinuing the use of nuclear power, was held on 23 March 1980.
[1] The impetus for the referendum was the Three Mile Island accident (28 March 1979) that increased public apprehension of nuclear power.
The fifth national referendum, concerning the membership of Sweden in the European Union (EU), was held on 13 November 1994.
Although non-binding, all parties with seats in the Riksdag promised ahead of time to follow the outcome of the vote.
The Centre Party and the Christian Democrats similarly left the position on the issue up to the members.
Although non-binding, all parties with seats in the Riksdag promised ahead of time to follow the outcome of the vote.
The murder of Anna Lindh, Social Democratic Minister for Foreign Affairs, on 11 September 2003 led to the suspension of the referendum campaign.
After deliberations, the government and the other parties with seats in the Riksdag decided to go ahead with the referendum at the set date, but no further debates or campaigning would take place.
The motive behind the murder was not known before the end of the referendum (no one claimed responsibility), but at the time it was assumed that it had been perpetrated to influence the outcome.
The popularity of Lindh (who had campaigned in favor of adoption) increased after the murder, but this was not reflected in the outcome of the vote to any significant degree.
The municipalities in Sweden have comparatively little legislative power, and can't change laws.
Local referendums requesting a law change are sometimes held anyway, as political statements to the central government.