Defense National Council sets higher hurdles for access to civilian service
It is to become more difficult for conscripts to perform their service in civilian service instead of the army. The National Council is backing the Federal Council's proposals to help the army recruit more personnel. Resistance is already stirring.
18.06.2025, 11:37
18.06.2025, 12:23
SDA
The National Council approved the amended Civilian Service Act on Wednesday as the first chamber with 119 votes in favor, 73 against and one abstention. The Red-Green motion to reject the bill or have it revised was rejected by the SVP, FDP and Center Party.
The majority argued that there was no freedom of choice between the army and civilian service. Civilian service should once again become a special constitutional solution for conscripts with a conflict of conscience.
According to the majority, this could help the army and civil defense to recruit more personnel. However, the minority doubts this. It is incomprehensible that higher hurdles for civilian service should result in more personnel for the army. They think it makes more sense to make the army more attractive.
There is already resistance to the bill. The Swiss Civilian Service Association Civiva rejects the bill. It intends to launch a referendum if the Council of States follows the National Council's lead.
