Citizens' initiative Defense Minister gives reasons for saying no to the Service Citoyen Initiative
The Federal Council does not believe that men and women should be called up for compulsory civil service. In Bern, Defense Minister Martin Pfister presented the arguments for a "no" to the service citizen initiative.
10.10.2025, 08:30
SDA
On November 30, the people and the cantons will decide on the initiative. The Federal Council and Parliament reject the demand for compulsory civilian service.
For the Federal Council, the purpose of compulsory service is to ensure that the army and civil defense have sufficient forces at their disposal. With around 70,000 recruits per year, the popular initiative clearly exceeds this requirement. This would also not make economic sense, as those performing civilian service would be absent from work.
The Federal Council also argues with the costs of compensation for loss of earnings and military insurance. Instead of the current compulsory military service for Swiss men, the initiative calls for civil service for all Swiss men and women. This could either be service in the army or an equivalent, recognized militia service.
