The campaign in favour of the initiative has been formally launched. The organisers’ central argument is cost. The proposal, which would cut Switzerland’s radio and television licence fee from CHF 355 per household to CHF 200 a year, will be put to a vote on March 8th. Consumers must be relieved of the financial burden, […]
Swiss cash initiative – different ways to reach same goal
On March 8th Swiss voters—and the cantons—will be asked to decide the fate of cash. On the ballot are a popular initiative, Cash is Freedom, and a direct counter-proposal backed by the federal government and parliament. Both aim to entrench the role of physical money in the constitution, but they go about it in different […]
Tensions rise in Bern over implementing the nursing initiative
Tempers are flaring in Bern over how to implement Switzerland’s initiative on nursing care, reported RTS this week. Following a successful vote (approved by 61% of voters) in 2021 to improve life for nurses, Switzerland’s federal government has put forward a package of measures aimed at improving nurses’ working conditions, including shorter hours and better […]
Swiss climate vote: the 1% of GDP question
The cost of inaction is enormous, says the committee behind Switzerland’s proposed climate fund. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, its members urged voters to back the initiative on March 8th, arguing that it is essential to protect future generations. Alpine Switzerland is particularly exposed to the effects of climate change, according to the […]
Swiss town marks its move from Bern to Jura
Moutier celebrated its transfer from the canton of Bern to Jura at the end of 2025, in a ceremony that underlined the historic nature of the change. Marcel Winistoerfer, the town’s mayor, told around 300 people gathered outside the town hall that, half a century after the founding of the canton, Moutier will now join […]
Swiss government weighs VAT hike to fund army
Switzerland’s government is weighing a rise in value-added tax to help fund a rapid expansion of the armed forces, reported RTS. According to the Tages-Anzeiger, the proposal—an increase of 0.5 percentage points—was floated by Martin Pfister, the defence minister, amid growing anxiety about Europe’s security and the risk of further Russian aggression. Pfister argues that […]
Swiss voters deliver a double “no” on inheritance tax on super rich and universal civic service
On 30 November 2025 the Swiss electorate decisively rejected two headline proposals: a sweeping federal inheritance and gift tax for the super-rich, and a scheme to make civic service mandatory for all citizens. The inheritance-tax measure — a 50% levy on estates and gifts above CHF 50 million — was turned down by 78% of […]
Swiss government rejects bid to force mandatory referendum on EU accords
The Swiss government has rejected the so-called “Compass” Initiative, which seeks to subject the planned package of agreements with the European Union to a mandatory vote of both the people and the cantons. The Federal Council ruled out the proposal this week and declined to offer a counter-project. Formally titled: For direct democracy and the […]
Swiss voters to decide on four issues in March 2026
Swiss citizens will head to the polls on March 8th 2026 to vote on four national measures: initiatives on cash, public broadcasting, and a climate fund, as well as a referendum on individual taxation, reported the government this week. Cutting the bill for public broadcastingThe “200 francs is enough” initiative, backed by the right-wing Swiss […]
Swiss Greens’ vote on compulsory solar panels clears signature hurdle
A popular initiative by Switzerland’s Green Party to make solar panels mandatory on most rooftops has gathered more than 100,000 signatures, enough to trigger a national vote once the federal chancellery formally validates them, reported RTS. The proposal seeks to require the installation of photovoltaic systems on nearly all new and existing buildings, though exemptions […]
