Overview
- The ÖDP formally launched its Volksbegehren in mid‑July and has printed signature lists for a summer collection with plans to hand documents to the Bavarian Interior Ministry by October.
- The proposal would add a two‑term, ten‑year limit for the minister‑president to the Bavarian constitution, using wording drawn from Markus Söder’s own 2018 draft.
- Bavarian rules require 25,000 initial supporter signatures for admission, then a two‑week entry phase needing about 10 percent of voters to sign, and a final referendum for constitutional change that must win a majority and reach 25 percent of the electorate.
- CSU leaders reacted with political criticism and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann publicly flagged ‘substantial constitutional concerns’ and said the matter could be sent to the state constitutional court, making timing and enforceability uncertain.
- The ÖDP’s strong track record with past Bavarian referendums gives it operational credibility, but the initiative faces high turnout thresholds, likely legal review, limited formal backing from major parties, and unclear practical effect on Söder’s 2028 plans.