Virus forces delay of vote on EU free movement deal
No need to count ballot sheets next May. The next set of nationwide votes was called off.
Keystone/Walter Bieri
The Swiss government has called off a planned nationwide ballot about a proposal to scrap an accord with the European Union on the free movement of people.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/urs
Español
es
Coronavirus obliga a posponer voto sobre inmigración
The vote was scheduled for May 17 alongside two other issues, including a controversial reform of the hunting law.
“The necessary measures to stem the spread of Covid-19 also affect the exercising of political rights, notably the organisation of nationwide votes,” the government announced on WednesdayExternal link.
“The current situation makes it impossible to hold public meetings,” it wrote. As a result, political parties and other organisations must do without gatherings and rallies to decide their position on the vote.
All major parties, business groups and trade unions have welcomed the decision to postpone.
The government said it will decide on a new date by the end of May. As a rule, up to four votes are held each year in Switzerland; a first ballot took place in February, leaving just two other possible dates in September and December.
The government said it also decided to suspend deadlines for the collection of signatures for people’s initiatives and referendums, as well as for parliamentary decisions on an initiative on the corporate responsibility of Swiss businesses.
Postponements of nationwide ballots under the Swiss-style direct democracy system are rare. In 1951, the government called off a vote due to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in several regions of the country.
More
More
Swiss government shuts down public life amid spreading coronavirus
This content was published on
The Swiss government has declared an “extraordinary situation”, instituting a ban on all private and public events and closing gathering places.
Basel diocese files five claims of sexual abuse in Swiss Catholic Church
This content was published on
The diocese of Basel has received 141 reports of sexual abuse since the publication of a sweeping study on violations in the Catholic Church by the University of Zurich in 2023.
Swiss president calls for open markets and stable institutions in WEF speech
This content was published on
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter was among speakers at the WEF in Davos to make the case for fair competition, a day after Donald Trump became the 47th president of the United States.
Swiss film in competition at the 75th Berlinale has a shot at Golden Bear
This content was published on
The feature film La Cache by Lausanne screenwriter and director Lionel Baier has a chance of winning the Silver or Golden Bear at the 75th Berlinale, festival organisers said on Tuesday.
Swiss politician who shot at image of Jesus resigns from Liberal Green Party
This content was published on
Sanija Ameti, who caused controversy after shooting at an image of Jesus and Mary last September, has resigned from the Liberal Green Party.
Swiss campaigners gather enough signatures to submit ‘responsible business’ initiative
This content was published on
The Swiss people are set to vote again on the corporate responsibility of multinationals after campaigners collected 183,661 signatures in 14 days for their new 'responsible business' initiative.
Several Swiss municipalities and banks hit by cyberattack
This content was published on
Russian hackers attacked the websites of several Swiss municipalities and banks on Tuesday, just as the World Economic Forum (WEF), got under way in Davos.
Music strengthens brain connections in premature babies, Swiss study shows
This content was published on
In premature babies, music strengthens connections in certain areas of the brain, according to a years-long study by the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG).
WEF gives Crystal Award to Beckham, Yamamoto and von Fürstenberg
This content was published on
The World Economic Forum in Davos handed out awards to UNICEF ambassador David Beckham, Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto and women's rights activist Diane von Fürstenberg.
Swiss CEOs betting on a strong domestic market in 2025
This content was published on
Swiss business leaders are optimistic about 2025, despite a world in crisis, says a new survey by Pricewaterhouse Coopers.
This content was published on
Economics Minister Guy Parmelin and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis have welcomed Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang to Bern
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
Anti-EU immigration proposal would damage prosperity, government says
This content was published on
Two days after the latest nationwide votes, attention turns to the next ballots in May, which include a proposal by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party to take full national control of immigration. The initiative, which reflects worries among some Swiss about immigration in general, demands that the government scrap the freedom of movement agreement with…
This content was published on
Trade unions have said scrapping the freedom of movement agreement with the European Union, saying a “yes” vote would be “an attack on all workers”.
Signatures collected for vote on tax deduction for parents
This content was published on
Opponents of a proposal to increase tax deductions for parents have succeeded in collecting enough signatures to force a referendum on the subject.
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.