Federal referendums were held in Switzerland on 7 March, 13 June, 26 September, and 28 November 2021.[1] Swiss referendums take three forms: popular initiatives, which are citizen proposals to create a new law and require 100,000 valid signatures on a petition to get on the ballot; facultative or optional referendums, which are citizen proposals to approve or reject a piece of existing law and require 50,000 valid signatures on a petition to get on the ballot; and mandatory referendums, which are required to revise the constitution, join an international organisation or introduce emergency federal legislation for over a year.[2] [3]
| March referendums | |
| Date: | 7 March 2021 |
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| Part1 Subject: | Ban on full facial coverings |
| Part1 Choice1: | For |
| Part1 Percentage1: | 51.19 |
| Part1 Choice2: | Against |
| Part1 Percentage2: | 48.81 |
| Part2 Subject: | Federal Act on Electronic Identification Services |
| Part2 Choice1: | For |
| Part2 Percentage1: | 35.64 |
| Part2 Choice2: | Against |
| Part2 Percentage2: | 64.36 |
| Part3 Subject: | Economic Partnership Agreement with Indonesia |
| Part3 Choice1: | For |
| Part3 Percentage1: | 51.65 |
| Part3 Choice2: | Against |
| Part3 Percentage2: | 48.35 |
Three referendums were held in March; one on a popular initiative 'Yes to a ban on full facial coverings',[4] one on the Federal Act on Electronic Identification Services (e-ID Act),[5] and one on the economic partnership agreement with Indonesia.[6]
Switzerland voted on a referendum that would prohibit covering one's face in public spaces, and would outlaw anyone from forcing another to cover their face. It would apply to all public spaces including the street, public transport, restaurants and shops. It was proposed by the Egerkingen Committee, which also sponsored the successful referendum to ban minaret construction.[7] The referendum is supported by the Swiss People's Party and the Federal Democratic Union of Switzerland. It is opposed by the Green Party of Switzerland, Green Liberal Party of Switzerland, Social Democratic Party of Switzerland, The Centre and FDP.The Liberals.[8] Despite The Centre and FDP.The Liberals party's stance was officially opposed, polls showed that 70%, 61% and 71%, 65% of their voters supported the yes vote.[9] [10]
Two cantons, Ticino and St. Gallen, have instituted bans on face coverings, while three—Glarus, Schwyz and Zürich—have rejected such bans.
Proponents argue that the ban will enhance security as it will help identify criminals who cover their faces in public. They also argue that women's rights will be enhanced as no one can be forced to wear veils. Opponents argue that the ban is inconsistent with people's constitutional rights and that women who are no longer permitted to veil in public might withdraw from society. In addition, opponents have asserted that, under current law, no one can be forced to wear a burqa, and that anyone forcing someone to do so can be punished.[8]
The Federal Council expressed opposition to the referendum, arguing that it would infringe upon the rights of the cantons and would harm tourism.[11] There are approximately 400,000 Muslims living in Switzerland; however, the Federal Council estimated that fewer than 100 women in the country employ full face coverings and the ban has little practical effect.[12] To address some of the proponents' concerns, the Parliament of Switzerland passed a law that would take effect if the referendum fails that would require anyone with a face covering to show their faces if requested by authorities for identification.[8]
An opinion poll published in January 2021 showed 63% of voters in favour of the proposed ban on full facial coverings, also referred to as a "burqa ban".[13] [14]
The referendum would establish a Federal E-ID Commission that would oversee issuance of a nationwide electronic ID to residents. The new E-ID could be used on the internet to order goods and services, open bank accounts or request official documents.[15] The law is supported by the Federal Council and the Parliament.[16]
The E-IDs would be issued initially by the Swiss Sign Group, which operates Swiss ID. This group includes Swiss Post, Swiss Federal Railways, Swisscom and banks and insurance companies. The Federal commission would supervise the system and ensure compliance with regulations. Proponents argue that this could consolidate the number means of identification used online into a single secure login. It would ultimately be scaled into additional online activities. Also, by establishing state control of the system. proponents believe that the system would be more secure. Opponents believe that the system of issuance through banks and insurance companies could compromise data security and that the IDs could be used by the companies for private gain. The opponents believe that the state should issue the IDs itself.[16]
The political parties in support include The Centre, FDP.The Liberals, the Swiss People's Party and the Evangelical People's Party of Switzerland. Opposing parties include the Green Party of Switzerland, Green Liberal Party of Switzerland, Social Democratic Party of Switzerland and Federal Democratic Union of Switzerland.
In 2018 the European Free Trade Association concluded a free-trade agreement with Indonesia. In 2020, opponents of the agreement filed 60,000 signatures to bring the agreement to a popular vote.[17] This is only the second time in 50 years that a free trade agreement has been subjected to a referendum.[18]
The agreement will reduce most customs duties for products exported from Switzerland to Indonesia while eliminating tariffs on industrial products imported to Switzerland. Tariffs on palm oil would be reduced by 20 to 40 percent up to a maximum quota of 12,500 tons. There would also be sustainability requirements around the import of palm oil. Companies would have to certify that they have not engaged in deforestation in the production of palm oil. In the event of violations, Switzerland could reverse the tariff reductions.
Proponents argue that the agreement will enhance trade for Switzerland while imposing requirements on human rights, rainforests and sustainable palm oil production. Opponents have pointed out that palm oil production is damaging to the environment and harms local farmers. In addition, they are concerned that cheaper palm oil would displace locally produced goods such as rapeseed and sunflower oil that are subject to more sustainability. Finally, the opponents charge that the mechanisms and sanctions for violating the sustainability regulations lack teeth.[19]
The Swiss market for palm oil was about 32,000 tons annually from 2012 to 2019 and supporters of the agreement suggest that the savings to Swiss companies could be about CHF 25 million at a cost of CHF 8 million in lost tariffs.[18] [20]
Parties supporting the agreement include The Centre, FDP.The Liberals, Swiss People's Party, Green Liberal Party of Switzerland and Federal Democratic Union of Switzerland. Opposed are the Green Party of Switzerland, Social Democratic Party of Switzerland and the Evangelical People's Party of Switzerland.
| Question | For | Against | Invalid/ blank | Total votes | Registered voters | Turnout | Outcome | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Cantons | Votes | % | Cantons | ||||||
| Ban on full facial coverings | 51.19 | 48.81 | 5,496,858 | 51.42 | |||||||
| Federal Act on Electronic Identification Services | 35.64 | – | 64.36 | – | 51.29 | ||||||
| Economic Partnership Agreement with Indonesia | 51.65 | – | 48.35 | – | 51.10 | ||||||
| Source: Federal Chancellery | |||||||||||
Five questions were included in the 13 June referendum, two of which were popular initiatives and three of which were facultative referendums.[2]
| Question | For | Against | Invalid/ blank | Total votes | Registered voters | Turnout | Outcome | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Cantons | Votes | % | Cantons | ||||||
| COVID-19 Act | 60.20 | 39.80 | 59.66 | ||||||||
| Federal Act on combatting terrorism | 56.58 | – | 43.42 | – | 59.57 | ||||||
| Federal Act on greenhouse gas emissions | 48.41 | – | 51.59 | – | 59.70 | ||||||
| For a Switzerland without artificial pesticides | 39.44 | 60.56 | 59.76 | ||||||||
| For clean drinking water and healthy food | 39.31 | 60.69 | 59.78 | ||||||||
| Source: Federal Chancellery | |||||||||||
Two questions were included in the 26 September referendum, one popular initiative and one facultative referendum.[29]
| Question | For | Against | Invalid/ blank | Total votes | Registered voters | Turnout | Outcome | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Cantons | Votes | % | Cantons | ||||||
| Popular initiative on taxes | 35.12 | 0 | 64.88 | 52.23 | |||||||
| Same sex marriage | 64.10 | – | 35.90 | – | 52.60 | ||||||
| Source: Federal Chancellery | |||||||||||
Three questions were included in the 28 November referendum; two popular initiatives, and one facultative referendum.
| Question | For | Against | Invalid/ blank | Total votes | Registered voters | Turnout | Outcome | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Cantons | Votes | % | Cantons | ||||||
| For strong nursing care | 2,161,272 | 60.98 | 1,382,824 | 39.02 | 66,494 | 3,610,590 | 5,528,244 | 65.31 | |||
| Justice initiative | 1,094,989 | 31.92 | 0 | 2,335,148 | 68.08 | 145,564 | 3,575,701 | 64.68 | |||
| Amendment of the COVID-19 Law | 2,222,594 | 62.02 | 1,361,084 | 37.98 | 50,123 | 3,633,801 | 65.72 | ||||
| Source: Federal Chancellery | |||||||||||