Home > 5.1 Nature of the referendum > Referendums in Europe - An Analysis of the Legal Rules in European States
 
 
 
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In France, the President can call a referendum on the proposal of the Government or (except for constitutional revisions) a joint proposal by the two assemblies. In the case of a Government proposal, a debate must be held by the two assemblies. In the case of constitutional revisions, Parliament can decide to organise a referendum. It should be noted that the Government’s involvement precludes, in principle, a call for a referendum against the advice of the parliamentary majority. In Portugal, there also has to be an agreement between the President and Parliament, or the President and the Government. In Croatia, an issue may be put to the vote either by Parliament or the President, but the latter can only call a referendum on the Government’s proposal and with the Prime Minister’s counter-signature.