Campaigners for a citizens' service initiative have succeeded. The committee submitted 107,764 signatures validated by the authorities to the Federal Chancellery on Thursday.
This content was published on
3 minutes
Keystone-SDA
Español
es
Los activistas reúnen suficientes firmas para la propuesta de reforma de la milicia suiza
The aim of the initiative “For a Switzerland that gets involved” (so-called citizens’ service initiative) is to get all young people involved in working for the community and the environment, instead of just young Swiss men who must serve in the military, say the authors of the initiative in a press release. These include rehabilitating forests after storms or working with young people at risk of addiction as part of civilian service, and joining army rescue troops.
The committee wants to launch a nationwide debate on the value and future of the commitment to a militia in Switzerland. Citizens’ service is an important issue for the future of society and for the country’s social cohesion.
The initiative would also make it possible to guarantee staff numbers. The campaigners believe that the text puts forward a “constructive proposal for reform in order to face up together to the security, social and environmental challenges we are facing, such as pandemics, wars, climate change and the polarisation of society”.
Launched by the Geneva association Service citoyen, the initiative is supported by several centrist parties and associations.
‘Not a free choice’
In reaction to the initiative, the Group for a Switzerland without an Army (GSoA) said in a press release that it would “vehemently oppose an extension of compulsory service” if a referendum were to be held. As far as manpower is concerned, “the army could continue to ignore the wishes of those liable for service. There is no question of free choice”.
The GSoA also pointed to the possibility of wage dumping and felt that the initiative would not lead to greater equality. Women, the majority of whom are already involved in unpaid care work, would have the additional disadvantage of an obligation to serve imposed on them. “Equality does not mean that women are also obliged to serve in the army, but that men are no longer obliged to do so either”, the group wrote.
This news story has been written and carefully fact-checked by an external editorial team. At SWI swissinfo.ch we select the most relevant news for an international audience and use automatic translation tools such as DeepL to translate it into English. Providing you with automatically translated news gives us the time to write more in-depth articles. You can find them here.
If you want to know more about how we work, have a look here, and if you have feedback on this news story please write to english@swissinfo.ch.
External Content
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Almost finished… We need to confirm your email address. To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
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
Campaigners seek reform of Swiss militia system
This content was published on
A political campaign has been launched to reform the Swiss militia system to include both men and women in a community service.
‘Vital for the future’: what our readers think of gender-neutral conscription
This content was published on
Readers' views on a compulsory service for women and men largely reflect the majority opinion on the subject in Switzerland.
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.