Swiss voters are likely to have their say on a proposal to introduce parental leave. The Green Liberals announced on Wednesday that they had submitted 112,517 signatures in support of the initiative to the Federal Chancellery for verification.
The number of signatures comfortably exceeds the required threshold, subject to official verification. The initiative is also backed by the Green Party, Alliance F, the trade union federation Travail.Suisse and the women’s wing of the Centre Party.
Supporters argue that Switzerland’s birth rate, which has fallen to a historic low of 1.3 children per woman, makes reform necessary. Yet evidence that paid parental leave boosts fertility is mixed. A study of Norway, Sweden and Iceland found that fathers’ use of parental leave was associated with more second births but fewer third births in Norway and Sweden. A separate cross-country analysis found no measurable effect of fathers’ leave entitlements on fertility.
The proposal would grant each parent 18 weeks of non-transferable leave, generally to be taken consecutively rather than simultaneously. Benefits would be calculated and financed according to the system used to compensate people undertaking military or civilian service.
The requirement that leave cannot be transferred between parents is intended to encourage fathers to take a greater share of childcare. Alliance F argues that individual entitlements are necessary to challenge traditional gender roles.
But the provision has drawn criticism. Although expanding parental leave enjoys considerable support, the initiative would limit couples’ freedom to divide it according to their financial circumstances and family needs. Critics argue that it imposes a particular model of family life rather than allowing parents to decide for themselves.
The Swiss Employers’ Association has also opposed the initiative. In April 2025 it argued that, although the proposal pursued a legitimate objective, its approach was misguided, citing its rigid arrangements, additional costs and organisational difficulties for businesses.
There is evidence of public support for a more flexible approach. In a 2024 Swiss survey on equality, 76% of 2,500 respondents favoured introducing parental leave that couples could divide between themselves.
If approved by a majority of voters and cantons, the initiative would have to be implemented within five years.
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