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The initiators for a service citoyen submitting their signatures in October 2023. (archive image)
Keystone
The National Council does not want to introduce a citizens' service for all Swiss citizens. On Wednesday, it clearly recommended that the popular initiative "For a committed Switzerland (Service citoyen initiative)" be rejected and does not want a counter-proposal.
The Grand Chamber reached its decision by 166 votes to 19 with 3 abstentions. It thus followed the decision of the majority of its Security Policy Committee (SIK-N).
A motion to refer the matter back to the committee to draw up an indirect counter-proposal with a reduction in weekly working hours also had no chance. The motion failed by 126 votes to 56 with 6 abstentions. People in Switzerland should thus be given more time for voluntary work.
The Council of States must now consider the matter.
The popular initiative demands that Swiss citizens perform a service for the community and the environment, a kind of civic service. This could either be service in the army or another equivalent militia service.
19.03.2025, 10:50
