Initiave to confirm Federal Councillors by vote

A new initiative is calling for the people to confirm the position of the seven federal councillors every two years.

The government is chosen by parliament every four years – the next vote will be at the end of the year after the federal elections. 

The campaign, called the ‘Swiss Freedom Movement’ is calling for the people to confirm the position of each individual. 

The press suggests the group seems close to the Swiss People’s Party.

The initiative is not asking for direct election of the government – that was rejected by the people 10 years ago.

But it argues the people should confirm each one midway through the term. If they fail to achieve a double majority – that is most of the people and most the cantons, then parliament should elect a replacement.

Campaigners have until November next year to collect 100,000 signatures. 

 

 

 

More from Bitesize News

  • Govt rejects service for women

    The Federal Council is firmly rejecting the initiative that would require all Swiss women to perform military or civilian service for the community.

  • Govt against inheritance tax measure

    The Federal Council has launched its campaign against the Socialist Youth’s “For the Future” initiative, which will be voted on November 30.

  • Lausanne injection site is 'chaos'

    Business owners in the centre of Lausanne are sounding the alarm over conditions around the drug consumption room at Place de la Riponne.

  • Is Aldi killing bakeries?

    More and more bakeries are shutting down, and now discount giant Aldi is turning up the heat.

  • Young adults stay at home longer

    Young adults in Switzerland are staying longer in the family home.

  • More renewable power

    Electricity from renewable sources is gaining ground in Geneva. It rose by 7% last year and now covers 37% of the canton’s total electricity consumption, according to figures released from the Canton and the Geneva Industrial Services.

Download our app

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play