In Sunday’s referendum, the citizens of Slovenia rejected the draft law on the legalization of assisted suicide, which was approved by the parliament back in July. 53.4 percent of the participating voters voted against the entry into force of the law, 47 percent of the voters had the opposite opinion. Voter turnout reached 40.9 percent, according to almost final data published by the electoral commissionthe STA agency reported.
- Slovenia rejected the draft law on assisted suicide in a referendum.
- 53.4% of voters voted against the effectiveness of the approved law.
- Participation in the referendum reached 40.9% of eligible voters.
- The implementation of the law is suspended for at least one year.
- The referendum sparked a polarizing public and political debate.
The result of the plebiscite means that the implementation of the law will be suspended for at least one year. Deputies approved the bill after 55 percent of voters voted for its adoption in a consultative referendumwhich took place in June 2024 together with the elections to the European Parliament.
The referendum was the culmination of a polarizing campaign pitting supporters of the law, arguing for dignity and personal autonomy, against opponents who warned that inadequate palliative care could force vulnerable people to end their lives out of desperation rather than free choice.
“Compassion Won Out,” declared Aleš Primc, a prominent conservative activist who initiated the referendum and led the campaign. “Slovenia rejects government reform of health, pensions and welfare based on death by poisoning.” Supporters of the bill were disappointed with the vote, but pointed out that it did not mark the end of efforts to introduce assisted suicide.
“Sooner or later we will have such a solution, but it is a shame that it is being delayed, especially for people who would need this law now,” said Tereza Novaková, MP of the ruling Freedom Movement. This is the second bill voted down by voters this year. In May, they did not support the government’s draft law on special pensions for top artists.
