The Czech government has approved a proposal for a new constitutional law
that would allow ordinary citizens hold referendums on important internal
and foreign state policy. Under the bill, a referendum could not be held
on issues that question constitutional principles and fail to respect the
country's international obligations. Citizens would, however, be able to
vote on the European constitution, which has to be ratified by all EU
member states before October 2006. In order to be passed, the bill has to
be supported by 120 of the 200 deputies in the lower house and three
fifths of Senators.