Lobbying Popular initiative aims to curb lobbying in parliament
A new popular initiative aims to curb lobbying in federal politics. It targets members of the Federal Assembly with vested interests. They should no longer be allowed to take part in debates if there is a connection with their interests.
25.03.2025, 10:26
25.03.2025, 10:27
SDA
The popular initiative "For a people-oriented policy (No Lobbying)" was published in the Federal Gazette on Tuesday. It is backed by people living in the canton of Lucerne. They have until September 25, 2026 to collect the 100,000 signatures required to bring the initiative to fruition.
The committee is calling for an amendment to Article 161 of the constitution. It currently states that members of the National Council and Council of States must vote without instructions. They must also disclose their vested interests.
Council members with "proven economic and political interests" should no longer be allowed to sit on committees whose area of responsibility is related to these interests.
In committee debates and in the plenary session of the Council, members of the Council with proven political and economic interests are to be restricted: If topics are discussed that have a connection with these interests, they must withdraw.
The initiative also calls for councillors to declare not only vested interests in a register, but also fees and other monetary benefits. And if laws are drawn up, this must be done within the administration and without the involvement of third parties.
The legal regulations for the implementation of the initiative must be enacted no later than one year after the yes vote at the ballot box.
