The initiative was handed in back in 2019.
Keystone / Peter Klaunzer
Swiss voters will not decide on the glacier initiative following a decision by campaigners to withdraw their proposal in favour of the indirect counter-proposal.
The initiative committee wrote of a conditional withdrawal. They are confident that the counter-proposal will find a majority at the ballot box, they announced on Wednesday.
The right-wing Swiss People’s Party has announced a referendum against the proposal. In its press release, the committee accused the party of fomenting panic and fear in a crisis situation where common solutions are needed.
Parliament passed the counter-proposal in the autumn session. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to “net zero” by 2050 with concrete reduction targets in the law and support programmes.
Among other things, this involves the replacement of heating systems, and concrete interim targets are also envisaged. The initiative, on the other hand, favoured bans and a new constitutional provision.
The withdrawal of the initiative doesn’t come as a surprise; the committee had already announced the move in advance.
One of its members is quoted as saying that this would ensure a quick path to a climate-friendly Switzerland and that the country would assume its responsibility.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
Living longer: What do you think about the longevity trend?
The longevity market is booming thanks in part to advances in the science of ageing. What do you think of the idea of significantly extending human lifespan?
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Swiss households to move as Brienz landslide threat rises
This content was published on
Twenty-five households are planning to voluntarily leave the Swiss village of Brienz, which is threatened by a major landslide.
This content was published on
Campaigners have handed in a “Glacier Initiative” calling on the Swiss authorities to dramatically step up efforts to cut greenhouse gases by 2050.
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.