The Council of the Swiss Abroad meeting in Bern on Friday adopted a manifesto in the runup to federal parliamentary elections this autumn, calling notably for free movement of people to be maintained.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/jc
Italiano
it
Il Consiglio degli svizzeri all’estero chiede garanzie in vista delle elezioni federali
More than 218,000 Swiss abroad, registered to vote, will be able to take part in the election. They also have a new election website: www.elections-2023.ch/fr. The Swiss abroad number some 788,000 people and represent one tenth of the Swiss population.
“There are more Swiss voters abroad than in some Swiss cantons,” said Filippo Lombardi, president of the Organisation of the Swiss AbroadExternal link (OSA). “The parties, candidates and authorities must realise the importance of their concerns.”
In the manifesto addressed to the political authorities, the Council of the Swiss Abroad calls for the guarantee and promotion of the exercise of political rights abroad. Delegates also want Swiss politicians to promote the development of e-government in the next legislative period, to push ahead with the removal of obstacles to mobility linked to social insurance, and to maintain the consular network abroad.
Members were able to participate online for the first time in the March 17 session. The Council has 140 members and meets twice a year. It aims to represent the interests of Swiss citizens abroad vis-à-vis the authorities and the public in Switzerland.
Most Read Swiss Abroad
More
Face time: the terrifying Swiss tradition of Tschäggättä
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
This content was published on
A criminal investigation into a Swiss media editor and a former health ministry official over leaked government Covid pandemic strategy is to be closed.
‘James Bond’ Schilthorn summit re-opens in Switzerland
This content was published on
The summit of the Schilthorn mountain in Switzerland will be accessible again from Saturday after being closed for five months.
Swiss lawmakers urge tougher stance with criminal asylum seekers
This content was published on
The Swiss Senate wants to tighten laws to both restrict the movement of asylum seekers being investigated for crimes and to expel the guilty.
Switzerland eyes high-speed train fleet for European connections
This content was published on
Swiss Federal Railways eyes 40 strong high-speed train fleet to service international destinations, such as Italy and France.
This content was published on
Driven by purchases abroad, e-commerce in Switzerland continues to grow, with sales approacheing the CHF15 billion markin 2024.
Switzerland close to further restricting tobacco advertising
This content was published on
Switzerland moves a step closer to restricting tobacco advertising in the print media as one chamber of parliament votes in favour of measures.
Swiss researchers improve therapy for paralysed patients
This content was published on
Using rehabilitation robots and a spinal cord implant, Swiss researchers are helping people with spinal cord injuries to walk again.
New Swiss government minister prepared for defence mandate
This content was published on
New Swiss government minister Martin Pfister says he is prepared for the defence mandate sif he be asked to take on the vacant role.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Digital nomads: what to consider as a temporary Swiss Abroad
This content was published on
Before the pandemic they were considered exotic; today digital nomads are in vogue. But the dream lifestyle is not without pitfalls.
This content was published on
The votes of Swiss citizens living abroad are highly sought after, but their political rights are also the target of criticism.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.