Ann-Cathrine Jungar, associate professor at Södertörn University, has looked at referendums between 2011 and 2020. Specifically the 31 during the period which, like the vote around Västerås airport, came after a popular initiative.
Turnout has been around 50 percent, which is also what is expected in Västerås.
Formally, the local referendums are advisory and the decision-making power is in the hands of the municipal council.
During the period, however, the City Council has more often chosen not to follow the results of the referendum.
- In six out of ten referendums, the City Council chooses not to respect the result of the referendum, says Ann-Cathrine Jungar.