geneva, switzerland
AP
—
Swiss voters on Sunday firmly rejected calls to make it compulsory for women to serve in national service, such as in the army or civil protection teams, as all men are already required to do.
After the referendum, official results, which are still being tallied in some regions, revealed that more than half of Swiss cantons rejected the Citizen Services Initiative by a wide margin. This meant a no, since a proposal requires a majority of both voters and states to pass.
Voters also strongly rejected another proposal to impose a new national tax on private donations and inheritances exceeding 50 million francs ($62 million) and use the revenue to combat the effects of climate change and help Switzerland reach its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Supporters of the National Service Plan had hoped that increased employment in areas such as environmental protection, food security and aged care would improve social cohesion.
But lawmakers opposed it, primarily on cost grounds and concerns that it could harm the economy by removing many young people from the workforce.
The national service proposal comes at a time when other European countries are looking for ways to strengthen their militaries in the face of growing concerns about potential Russian threats beyond the Ukraine war.
Young people in neutral Switzerland are already required to serve in the military or join civil protection teams. Conscientious objectors can perform other types of service and must pay an exemption fee if they opt out completely. Approximately 35,000 men participate in compulsory military service each year.
The failed initiative would have made national service compulsory for all Swiss citizens (currently women could serve voluntarily) and applied the concept of national security beyond military service and civil protection.
Supporters pointed to “the risks of landslides in the mountains, floods in the plains, cyberattacks, energy shortages and war in Europe” and said the plan meant everyone was responsible for a “stronger Switzerland able to face crises”.
The government countered that the military and civil defense had enough personnel and should not recruit more people than necessary.
While compulsory military service for women may be seen as a “step towards gender equality,” the idea would “place an additional burden on many women who already carry out the bulk of the unpaid work, not only domestic chores but also the upbringing and care of children and relatives,” he added.
The government also opposed proposals for new taxes on large donations and inheritances, arguing that approval could lead to some of Switzerland’s wealthiest people (an estimated 2,500 people) moving to other countries. A 50% tax rate could apply to amounts exceeding 50 million francs ($62 million).
Switzerland holds referendums four times a year, giving voters a direct say in policy decisions.
