Otherwise, the role of the authorities, and especially Parliament, is limited in the case of the popular initiative. As pointed out above, the Italian Parliament can rule out an abrogative referendum by revising the basic principles and key content of the old law. Maltese law is similar: the referendum does not take place if Parliament repeals the impugned legislation. The Lithuanian Parliament debates the initiative, but cannot refuse to submit it to the people unless it is unconstitutional. In Switzerland, Parliament examines the validity of the popular initiative and must recommend its acceptance or rejection within 30 months of its being presented. It can make a counter-proposal to the popular initiative aimed at a partial revision of the constitution, which will then be put to the vote at the same time as the initiative. Parliament may also declare the initiative invalid and refuse to submit it to the people’s vote.