Grand Council BE Cantonal parliament passes new civil protection law

In future, women and foreign nationals resident in the canton of Bern will have to attend an information event in the year in which they turn 23. On Wednesday, the Grand Council approved the revision of the cantonal Civil Protection Act at first reading.

Parliament approved the revision of the law with 84 votes in favor, 52 against and 7 abstentions. With the revision, the canton is adapting its Civil Protection Act to new federal legal provisions.

The new Cantonal Civil Protection Act (KBSG) regulates the tasks, organization and financing of civil protection and creates the basis for measures to be taken in the event of a disaster.

The Council did not agree on whether women and foreign nationals living in the canton should also have to take part in a "compulsory safety event" in future. The idea came from the Center, FDP and EDU parties, with the canton of Aargau serving as a model.

At these events, which last two to three hours, participants are to be informed about public safety and civil protection and motivated to "get involved in security". According to the government, the army, civil defence and similar organizations are struggling with "inventory problems". Those who skip the event could be fined up to 600 francs.

The government expects one-off costs of CHF 100,000 and recurring costs of CHF 543,000 per year for these events.

SP, Greens and GLP against

"There are many young people and new citizens who don't know how our security system works," said proponent Mathias Müller on behalf of the SVP parliamentary group. Andreas Hegg from the FDP parliamentary group did not understand what was wrong with raising public awareness. "These events are also integration," he agreed with Müller.

"Surveys show that a mandatory information day for women would be welcomed," said Francesco Rappa (center). Moreover, current campaigns do not reach all young people.

Katharina Baumann (EDU) also recognized "an opportunity" in the information events. The candidates would receive valuable information there. "That makes sense," said Hanspeter Steiner (EPP). The supporters also agreed that an effort of around half a day in the evening hours was reasonable.

The SP, Greens and GLP were not in agreement. "Aargau should now gain experience with these events. We can always follow suit," said Margrit Junker Burkhard from the SP/Juso parliamentary group. Martin Egger (GLP) argued that the impact of the orientations could not be measured.

First pilot events in 2026

Thomas Hiltpold (Greens) wanted to know from the Council whether other sectors in need would soon be helped in a similar way. He was also convinced that more motivated people could be found in other ways with less money.

The left wing of the Council also criticized the fact that Swiss men who are not fit for military service are not called up for these events.

Ultimately, however, the left-wing camp was on a losing wicket in the bourgeois-dominated parliament. It was also unable to push through the idea that participants in these events should be financially compensated.

"We are running out of time," said the responsible government councillor Philippe Müller (FDP). In the last six years, the number of civil defense personnel has fallen by a third. "It would be a missed opportunity not to introduce these events."

The first pilot events are due to take place in 2026. After five years, the cantonal government must review the effectiveness and benefits of the mandatory security events.