On 8 June 2022, Switzerland’s parliament voted against a Green Party plan to allow foreigners with at least 5 years of residency to vote and be elected in federal elections, reported ATS. A total of 113 members versus 63 voted against the plan. Foreigners living in Switzerland who wish to participate in democratic life are […]
Swiss vote results on Frontex, organ donation and a 4% levy on international streaming services
On 15 May 2022, Swiss voters voted on three federal initiatives on increased support of the Schengen border agency Frontex, presumed organ donation consent and whether to introduce a 4% levy on international streaming services in favour local film production. Voting this weekend was a clean sweep in favour of the federal government. Majorities were in favour […]
Swiss to vote on opt-out organ transplant permission
On 15 May 2022, the Swiss electorate will vote on the (organ) Transplantation Act. Over the past five years, an average of around 450 people in Switzerland have received one or more organs from a deceased person each year. However, the need for organs is much greater. Currently, a transplant is only possible if the […]
Swiss to vote on Frontex
On 15 May 2022, the Swiss electorate will vote on the Adoption of the Regulation on the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, which makes it party to the control of the area’s borders by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) an organisation that Switzerland […]
Swiss to vote on “Netflix tax”
On 15 May 2022, the Swiss electorate will vote on an Amendment to the Federal Act on Film Production and Film Culture. In Switzerland, domestic television broadcasters are obliged to invest 4% of their turnover in Swiss filmmaking. However, films and series are increasingly also offered by global companies via streaming services such as Netflix. […]
New initiative aims to create compulsory universal service for men, women and foreign residents
In Switzerland military service is compulsory for all young men with Swiss citizenship. Women and foreign residents are not required serve. An initiative to create a universal community service obligation that would include women and to some extent foreigners living in Switzerland was launched on Tuesday. Vote organisers have until 26 October 2023 to collect […]
Swiss to vote on higher retirement age
In Switzerland the official retirement age is different for men (65) and women (64). The federal government wants to create a universal retirement age of 65 for everyone. However, a number of people are opposed to the move and have called for a referendum and hope to overturn the government’s decision. This week, a referendum […]
Chart of the week: the rising number of popular initiatives in Switzerland
Four times a year, Swiss voters are asked to cast votes on proposals put forward by at least 100,000 citizens who must sign in support. Popular initiatives that do not reach the hurdle of 100,000 signatures don’t make the cut. Over the decades the number of popular initiatives has grown significantly. In the 80 years […]
Swiss vote results on animal testing, stamp duty, tobacco and media support
On 13 February 2022, Swiss voters voted on four federal initiatives on animal testing, stamp duty, tobacco advertising and government support for media. A majority (79.08%) of Swiss voters rejected a ban on animal testing, a government plan to remove investment stamp duty (62.67% against) and government support for Swiss media (54.56% against). The only initiative achieving […]
Swiss to vote on government support for media
On 13 February 2022, Swiss voters will decide on whether to accept a federal law on a package of measures to support the media in Switzerland. Switzerland’s government voted to support the media in Switzerland as it adjusts to the impacts of the shift to digital which has seen large platforms that create no content […]