Political parties FDP backs EU treaties and says no to a majority of the cantons
Campaigned for the EU treaties in Bern: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis.
Image: Keystone
The majority of FDP delegates voted in favor of the EU treaties in Bern on Saturday.
Image: Keystone
Outgoing party president Thierry Burkart (left) hands over to the new leadership duo of Susanne Vincenz-Stauffacher and Benjamin Mühlemann.
Image: Keystone
Campaigned for the EU treaties in Bern: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis.
Image: Keystone
The majority of FDP delegates voted in favor of the EU treaties in Bern on Saturday.
Image: Keystone
Outgoing party president Thierry Burkart (left) hands over to the new leadership duo of Susanne Vincenz-Stauffacher and Benjamin Mühlemann.
Image: Keystone
The FDP supports the new EU treaties. No majority of the cantons should be required in the referendum. The delegates took these fundamental decisions in Bern on Saturday.
18.10.2025, 11:06
18.10.2025, 15:21
SDA
The vote on the question of a majority of the cantons was relatively close: By 232 votes to 189, the delegates decided that a simple majority of the people should suffice. A clear three-quarters majority backed the EU package, with 330 votes in favor and 104 against.
Supporters and opponents had previously crossed swords in a debate lasting several hours. The continuation of the bilateral path was not an option, but a strategic necessity, said the Solothurn National Councillor and entrepreneur Simon Michel.
Opponents warned against the treaties. Acceptance could initially stabilize relations with the EU, said Zurich city councillor Filippo Leutenegger. But afterwards there would be a threat of bureaucratization.
Cassis: Direct democracy remains
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis strongly advocated the negotiated package. Without new agreements, the bilateral approach would come to an end. Switzerland would then gradually lose its privileged access to the European single market.
The package strengthens independence, because only an economically strong country can remain sovereign. "And very importantly, our direct democracy will remain intact."
More than one hundred requests to speak had been announced in advance. The debate in the Wankdorf stadium dragged on for a correspondingly long time. It was passionate, but never spiteful.
No majority in the stands
The majority did not listen to the call for the treaties to be voluntarily subject to a majority of the cantons. The legal situation was clear, said Matthias Michel, member of the Council of States from Zug. There was no need for a double majority and Parliament should not be allowed to override the provisions of the Federal Constitution for political reasons.
Councillor of States Petra Gössi from the canton of Schwyz campaigned in vain for the double majority of the people and the cantons. The votes from small and rural regions should also carry weight, she said. In addition, the treaties touched on fundamental constitutional values.
Outgoing party president Thierry Burkart emphasized that the delegates on Saturday had only decided how the FDP should position itself in the consultation process on the EU treaties. The party will determine its final position at a delegates' meeting before the referendum.
New leadership
The FDP has had a co-presidency for the first time since Saturday. The delegates elected St. Gallen National Councillor Susanne Vincenz-Stauffacher and Glarus Councillor of States Benjamin Mühlemann. They were the only candidates. Thierry Burkart was bid farewell after four years as President.
