RTL Today - Make voices heard: Citizens of Bettendorf demand referendum following 'No' to Nordstad talks

In Bettendorf, a citizens' initiative is pushing for a referendum after the municipal council voted against further discussions on the Nordstad merger.

On 23 October, Bettendorf’s municipal council voted 7–4 to withdraw from future talks on the Nordstad merger, a decision that hasn’t been well-received by all residents. In response, a group called Pro Referendum has formed, aiming to gather enough support to hold a referendum and give citizens a say on the matter. However, even if the initiative succeeds, the council isn’t required to honour the results.

"It took the air away from me as a citizen," said Anouk Wagner from Pro Referendum, after attending the council meeting. While she acknowledged the council’s right to make decisions, she added, "Given the long-standing plans for the Nordstad and the expectation of a 2027 referendum, it leaves a bitter aftertaste to pull out after years of negotiation."

Wagner isn’t alone in this view. After the vote, five residents, including former mayor Pascale Hansen, launched Pro Referendum. Now with around 17 active members, they’re collecting the 430 signatures required to request a referendum. According to the group, this initiative isn’t a stance for or against the merger itself, but rather an effort to ensure citizens’ voices are heard.

As Wagner explained, Pro Referendum includes people both for and against the Nordstad merger. “People are speaking with respect. It’s not about whether we support or oppose the merger; it’s about having a voice as citizens.”

Mayor Patrick Mergen acknowledged residents’ right to pursue a referendum, though he noted the council isn’t obligated to follow the outcome. He pointed to a similar case in Weiswampach, where the council ultimately disregarded the results of a consultative referendum.

"It’s a consultative process," said Mergen, "meaning the council isn’t bound by the voters’ decision. Seven council members opposed continuing the talks, and I can’t predict how they’ll respond to this." Mergen, who supported further discussions, remarked that forcing dissenting council members to re-engage in talks would be challenging. He also noted that any renewed discussions would require agreement from the other four Nordstad municipalities, which have already shown reluctance.

“At a Nordstad council meeting, my suggestion that we might rejoin the talks wasn’t well-received,” he said. “The neighbouring municipalities seem to view Bettendorf as having exited the process.”

Ultimately, the council members had the freedom to vote as they chose, and while Mergen voted in favour of continuing the talks, council members Andy Derneden and Lucien Kurtisi opposed the merger discussions.