Media National Council begins marathon debate on SRG initiative
On Monday, the National Council began its deliberations on the popular initiative "200 francs is enough". The popular initiative, launched by SVP circles, calls for a reduction in fees for radio and television from the current CHF 335 to CHF 200 per year in future.
02.06.2025, 19:08
SDA
The large chamber has not yet made any decisions. However, fundamental differences of opinion on the future of the public media service in Switzerland became clear during the debate.
In particular, the Council's left and center parties warned of a massive drop in the quality of radio and television in Switzerland. In their view, this would be disproportionate to the reduction in the burden on households. In addition, the media supply in the various language regions would be jeopardized.
The SVP, on the other hand, took the view that more efficiency and a level playing field between the SRG and private media companies were needed. The GLP and a majority of the FDP parliamentary group rejected the initiative as too radical, but called for the corporate levy to be abolished.
The debate will continue in the second week of the session. No fewer than 76 members of the National Council have signed up to speak.
