Total revision of the Valais cantonal Constitution
On 3 March 2024, the people of Valais were asked to rule on a total revision of their cantonal Constitution. The founding text in force dates from 1907: more th…
All votes
Popular initiative “For a better life in retirement” (13th OASI pension initiative)
On 3 March 2024, the Swiss people and cantons accepted the popular initiative "For a better life in retirement", known as the "13th OASI pension initiative", by…
Vaud popular initiative “For the protection of the climate”
On 18 June 2023, the Vaud electorate accepted, with 62.72 % yes (117,178 votes to 65,354), the popular initiative "For the protection of the climate", launched …
Climate and Innovation Act (counter-proposal to the Glacier Initiative)
On 18 June 2023, Swiss voters approved, by 59.07%, the Federal Act on Climate Protection Targets, Innovation and Strengthening Energy Security (KlG), commonly k…
Initiative “For the protection of the climate” (enshrined in the Vaud constitution)
On 18 June 2023, the people of Vaud voted on a popular initiative from the Greens and Young Greens seeking to enshrine the protection of the climate and biodive…
“OASI 21” reform (raising women’s reference age to 65)
On 25 September 2022, Swiss voters narrowly approved the "OASI 21" reform, designed to stabilise the financing of old-age and survivors' insurance. Backed by a …
Creation of a Council of the Judiciary (Conseil de la magistrature)
On 25 September 2022, Vaud's electorate accepted by 65.18% Yes (turnout 51.36%) a partial revision of the cantonal constitution creating a Council of the Judici…
Amendment to the Film Act (“Lex Netflix”)
On 15 May 2022, Swiss voters decided on the revision of the Film Act, nicknamed the "Lex Netflix". The text, adopted by Parliament, had been challenged by a ref…
Initiative for clean drinking water and healthy food
Launched by the “Clean Water for All” association (Sauberes Wasser für alle) of Franziska Herren, the “For clean drinking water and healthy food” initiative sou…
Popular initiative «For strong nursing care»
On 28 November 2021, the Swiss electorate adopted, by 61.0% of voters and 24 cantons out of 26 (only the half-canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden rejecting with 52.…
Popular initiative «For a Valais without large predators»
On 28 November 2021, Valais accepted the popular initiative «For a Valais without large predators» by 62.67%. The text writes into the cantonal constitution the…
Civil marriage for all
On 26 September 2021, Swiss voters decided on "marriage for all", the opening of civil marriage to same-sex couples. The amendment to the Civil Code had been ad…
CO2 Act (total revision)
On 13 June 2021, Swiss voters narrowly rejected, by 51.6%, the total revision of the CO2 Act. Backed by the Federal Council and a broad coalition from the SP to…
Popular initiative “For a Switzerland without synthetic pesticides”
On 13 June 2021, Swiss voters decided on two agricultural initiatives on the same day. The initiative "For a Switzerland without synthetic pesticides" came from…
Moutier — Vote on joining the canton of Jura (second vote)
On 28 March 2021, the citizens of Moutier confirmed their 2017 choice at the ballot box: by 54.9% (2,114 yes to 1,740 no), the town decided — this time definiti…
Popular initiative ‘Yes to a ban on face covering’
On 7 March 2021, Swiss voters and cantons narrowly accepted, by 51.2% of the vote, the popular initiative 'Yes to a ban on face covering', launched by the Egerk…
Geneva cantonal minimum wage (23 CHF/h)
In September 2020, Geneva put back on the table an idea voters had twice rejected: a statutory minimum wage. The canton had said no to a cantonal scheme in 2011…
Responsible business initiative « For responsible businesses – protecting human rights and the environment »
On 29 November 2020, the Swiss people and cantons decided on the popular initiative « For responsible businesses – protecting human rights and the environment »…
Popular initiative ‘For a ban on financing war material producers’
On 29 November 2020, Swiss voters decided on the popular initiative 'For a ban on financing war material producers', launched by the Group for a Switzerland wit…
Two weeks of paternity leave
On 27 September 2020, Swiss voters approved, by 60.3%, an amendment to the Loss of Earnings Compensation Act (LECA) introducing two weeks of paternity leave. Sw…
The « limitation » initiative (terminating free movement)
On 27 September 2020, Swiss voters rejected, by 61.7%, the SVP popular initiative « For moderate immigration », known as the « limitation initiative ». The text…
Act on the Secularism of the State (LLE)
On 10 February 2019, the Geneva electorate accepted, with 55.1 % yes, the Act on the Secularism of the State (LLE), after a tense campaign. Turnout reached 43.8…
Initiative “For democratic control of Geneva Airport”
On 24 November 2019, Geneva voters approved by about 56% the constitutional initiative "For democratic control of Geneva Airport", while rejecting the counter-p…
Geneva adopts the cantonal RFFA: a single 13.99 % rate for all companies
On 19 May 2019, Geneva voters decide on the cantonal law implementing the tax reform and AHV/AVS financing (RFFA). The framework is binding: under pressure from…
TRAF — Tax Reform and AHV Financing
On 19 May 2019, Swiss voters approved, by 66.4%, the Federal Act on Tax Reform and AHV Financing (TRAF/RFFA). This hybrid package links two intrinsically unrela…
Recapitalisation of the Geneva State Pension Fund (CPEG)
On 19 May 2019, Geneva voters had to rescue the State Pension Fund (CPEG), the civil servants' retirement fund, which was dangerously under-funded. A rare situa…
Popular initiative « For healthy, ecologically and fairly produced food » (fair food)
On 23 September 2018, Swiss voters decided on the popular initiative « For healthy, ecologically and fairly produced food », the so-called fair food initiative …
Popular initiative « For food sovereignty. Agriculture concerns us all »
On 23 September 2018 — the same day as the fair food initiative — Swiss voters decided on the popular initiative « For food sovereignty. Agriculture concerns us…
Sovereign Money initiative (“For crisis-proof money”)
On 10 June 2018, Swiss voters decided on the initiative "For crisis-proof money: money creation by the National Bank only!", better known as the Sovereign Money…
Federal Act on Gambling (LJAr)
On 10 June 2018, the same day as the Sovereign Money initiative, Swiss voters decided on the new Federal Act on Gambling (BGS/LJAr). Challenged by referendum, t…
Sion 2026 — cantonal funding for the Winter Olympic Games
On 10 June 2018, Valais settled a question that reached well beyond its borders: should it commit 100 million francs of cantonal money to support the «Sion 2026…
Popular initiative “Yes to abolishing radio and television licence fees” (No Billag)
On 4 March 2018, Swiss voters decided on the popular initiative "Yes to abolishing radio and television licence fees" — known by its campaign name No Billag, af…
Initiative « Pour le remboursement des soins dentaires » — dental insurance (Vaud)
Launched in 2014 by the PoP and solidaritéS and carried by a broad left-wing coalition, the « Pour le remboursement des soins dentaires » initiative starts from…
‘For the reimbursement of dental care’ initiative
On 4 March 2018, Vaud voters decide on an unusual initiative: 'For the reimbursement of dental care'. Launched in 2014 by the communist PdA and solidaritéS with…
Total revision of the 1907 constitution — the big yes of 2018, the no of 2024
On 4 March 2018, almost three Valaisans in four (72,81 % in favour) accepted the initiative calling for a total revision of the 1907 cantonal constitution — and…
« Old-Age Provision 2020 » reform
On 24 September 2017, Swiss voters rejected the « Old-Age Provision 2020 » reform. The act was refused by 52.7 % of voters, while the additional VAT financing f…
Moutier — Vote on joining the canton of Jura (first vote)
On 18 June 2017, the citizens of Moutier decided by 51.72% (2,067 yes to 1,930 no, on a record 89.7% turnout) to leave the canton of Bern and join the Republic …
Energy Act (Energy Strategy 2050, first package of measures)
On 21 May 2017, Swiss voters approved the revised Energy Act, the first package of measures of the Federal Council's «Energy Strategy 2050». The text, challenge…
Corporate Tax Reform III (CTR III)
On 12 February 2017, Swiss voters rejected the third corporate tax reform (CTR III) by 59.1 % no. Only four cantons accepted it. Turnout reached about 46.8 %.Th…
Vaud Act on the Preservation and Promotion of the Rental Housing Stock (LPPPL)
On 12 February 2017 the canton of Vaud adopted the Act on the Preservation and Promotion of the Rental Housing Stock (LPPPL) with 55.5% Yes (108,040 votes to 86…
Law on the Preservation and Promotion of the Rental Housing Stock (LPPPL)
On 12 February 2017, Vaud voters decide on the Law on the Preservation and Promotion of the Rental Housing Stock (LPPPL), passed by the cantonal parliament in M…
Federal decree on the facilitated naturalisation of third-generation foreigners
On 12 February 2017, the people and the cantons voted on a federal decree introducing facilitated naturalisation for third-generation foreigners — the Swiss-bor…
Popular initiative « for a green economy »
On 25 September 2016, Swiss voters rejected the initiative « For a sustainable and resource-efficient economy » (green economy) by 63.6 % no and almost every ca…
Popular initiative “In favour of public service”
On 5 June 2016, the popular initiative "In favour of public service" was swept away by 67.6% no and the rejection of all 26 cantons. Launched by four consumer m…
Initiative “For the lake crossing” (enshrined in the Geneva constitution)
On 5 June 2016, the people of Geneva approved by 62.8% an initiative from the centre-right Entente (FDP–Christian Democrats) enshrining in the cantonal constitu…
Popular initiative «For an unconditional basic income»
On 5 June 2016, Swiss voters firmly rejected the initiative «For an unconditional basic income» — the world's first popular vote on a guaranteed universal incom…
Law for Coherent and Balanced Mobility (LMCE) — Geneva’s «transport peace»
As the 2010s dawned, Geneva lived to the rhythm of its «transport war»: the road lobby and public-transport advocates had spent decades fighting over how to sha…
Amendment to the LDTR (the «Zacharias law») — Geneva preserves tenant protection
In Geneva, the law on the demolition, conversion and renovation of residential buildings (LDTR) has, since the 1980s, been the bedrock of rental-stock protectio…
Expenditure-based taxation (the lump-sum tax) — Geneva opts for regulated retention
Expenditure-based taxation — the «lump-sum tax» or forfait — lets certain wealthy foreign nationals resident in Switzerland but not working there be taxed not o…
Vaud RIE III — cantonal corporate tax reform
On 20 March 2016, Vaud voters approved, with 87.12% voting Yes (125,362 to 18,538), the cantonal component of the third corporate tax reform (RIE III), put to t…
Vaud corporate tax reform (RIE III / fiscal roadmap)
On 20 March 2016, the canton of Vaud handed its corporate tax reform a genuine landslide: 87.1% Yes, barely 12.9% No, on a turnout of 35.3%. It was one of the m…
Initiative “For marriage and family — against the marriage penalty” (Christian Democrats)
On 28 February 2016, the popular initiative "For marriage and family — against the marriage penalty", launched by the CVP/PDC (Christian Democrats), is narrowly…
Initiative «for the effective expulsion of foreign criminals (implementation initiative)» (SVP)
On 28 February 2016, Swiss voters decided on the SVP initiative «for the effective expulsion of foreign criminals (implementation initiative)». The text sought …
Third Rhône Correction (R3) — decree creating a financing fund
On 14 June 2015, Valaisans agreed to endow the project of the century with a fund: the third Rhône correction (R3), a vast flood-protection programme along the …
Police Act (LPol) — the “Maudet law” passed by 54 votes (Geneva, 2015)
In the early 2010s, Geneva state councillor Pierre Maudet (Liberal) launched a sweeping reform of the police. Passed by the cantonal parliament in 2014, the pro…
Popular initiative “Stop overpopulation” (Ecopop)
On 30 November 2014, Swiss voters massively rejected the popular initiative "Stop overpopulation — to safeguard natural resources", known as Ecopop, with 74.1% …
“For a Public Health Insurance Fund”
On 28 September 2014, Swiss voters rejected the "For a public health insurance fund" initiative backed by the left. The text sought to replace the roughly sixty…
“Sauver Lavaux” initiative and counter-proposal (protection of the terraced vineyards)
On 18 May 2014, Vaud voters rejected, with 68.1% voting No, Franz Weber's third "Sauver Lavaux" ("Save Lavaux") initiative, which sought a near-total ban on new…
‘Save Lavaux III’ initiative (Franz Weber) — the counter-proposal prevails
On 18 May 2014, Vaud voters settle yet another battle over Lavaux, the terraced vineyard overlooking Lake Geneva and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007. Th…
«Stop the TPG fare increases» initiative (AVIVO)
On 18 May 2014, Geneva settled a rare battle: the price of the tram ticket. AVIVO, the powerful Geneva pensioners' association, had launched an initiative to fr…
Decree on the acquisition of Gripen combat aircraft (Gripen fund)
On 18 May 2014, Swiss voters decided on the law creating a fund to finance the purchase of 22 Swedish-built Gripen E combat aircraft (Saab), for 3.126 billion f…
Statutory minimum wage — Valais says no, harder than Switzerland
On 18 May 2014, Valais voters overwhelmingly rejected the initiative « for a statutory minimum wage » by 80,7 % (19,34 % in favour) — one of the sharpest rebuff…
“Against Mass Immigration” (SVP initiative)
On 9 February 2014, the people and the cantons narrowly accepted the "against mass immigration" initiative launched by the SVP. With 50.3 % yes and a majority o…
Financing and expansion of the railway infrastructure (FAIF)
On 9 February 2014, Swiss voters decided on the federal decree governing the financing and expansion of the railway infrastructure — the FAIF project, which cre…
“1:12 – For Fair Wages” (Young Socialists’ initiative)
On 24 November 2013, Swiss voters rejected the "1:12 – For Fair Wages" initiative launched by the Young Socialists. The text sought to write into the Constituti…
Popular initiative “Yes to abolishing compulsory military service” (GSoA)
On 22 September 2013, Swiss voters heavily rejected the popular initiative "Yes to abolishing compulsory military service", launched by the Group for a Switzerl…
SVP initiative “Election of the Federal Council by the People”
On 9 June 2013, Swiss voters clearly rejected the popular initiative "Election of the Federal Council by the People", launched by the SVP with 110,291 valid sig…
Popular initiative “against excessive compensation” (Minder)
On 3 March 2013, Swiss voters overwhelmingly approved the popular initiative "against excessive compensation", known as the Minder Initiative, after its author,…
New Constitution of the Republic and Canton of Geneva
On 14 October 2012, the Geneva electorate accepted, with 54.1 % yes, a new cantonal Constitution, replacing the 165-year-old text of 1847. Turnout was a low 31.…
Assisted suicide in care homes — amendment to the Public Health Act
On 17 June 2012, Vaud became the first Swiss canton to give itself a legal basis for assisted suicide in care homes (EMS) and hospitals. Voters rejected EXIT's …
Popular initiative “6 weeks of vacation for all”
On 11 March 2012, Swiss voters decisively rejected the popular initiative "6 weeks of vacation for all" launched by Travail.Suisse. The text aimed to enshrine i…
Popular initiative “Stop the endless construction of second homes” (Franz Weber initiative)
On 11 March 2012, the people and the cantons narrowly accepted the popular initiative "Stop the endless construction of second homes", known as the Franz Weber …
Neuchâtel’s cantonal minimum wage — a Swiss first
On 27 November 2011, Neuchâtel voters approved, by 54.64% (24,624 yes to 20,439 no), a constitutional decree establishing a cantonal minimum wage — a Swiss firs…
Vaud Compulsory Education Act (LEO)
On 4 September 2011, Vaud voters chose between two visions of schooling. They accepted, with about 52% in favour, the new Compulsory Education Act (LEO), the Gr…
“Vivre et voter ici” initiative (cantonal political rights for foreigners)
On 4 September 2011, voters in the canton of Vaud rejected, with 68.96% voting No, the popular initiative "Vivre et voter ici" ("Live here, vote here"), which s…
Compulsory Education Act (LEO) and the « School 2010 » initiative
On 4 September 2011, the people of Vaud settled one of the fiercest education debates in their recent history. The ballot pitted two opposing texts against each…
Vaud initiative «For the right to a minimum wage»
On 15 May 2011, Vaud voters narrowly rejected — by 51.11 % No — the popular initiative «For the right to a minimum wage». By a whisker, Vaud missed becoming the…
Vaud law on family supplementary benefits and the bridge pension (LPCFam)
On 15 May 2011, Vaud voters approved by 61.13 % Yes the law on cantonal supplementary benefits for families (Family SB) and the bridge pension (LPCFam), challen…
Popular initiative “For the right to a minimum wage” — Switzerland’s first cantonal rejection
On 15 May 2011 the Vaud electorate narrowly rejected — 48.9 % Yes to 51.1 % No — the popular initiative “For the right to a minimum wage”. Vaud thus became the …
Law on family supplementary benefits and the bridge pension (LPCFam)
On 15 May 2011 the Vaud electorate approved, by 61 % Yes, the law on cantonal supplementary benefits for families and the cantonal bridge pension (LPCFam). The …
Initiative for the deportation of criminal foreigners (SVP)
On 28 November 2010, Swiss voters approved with 52.9 % the SVP popular initiative "For the deportation of criminal foreigners (deportation initiative)". The Par…
Initiative against the construction of minarets
In the late 2000s, a few minaret projects — notably in Wangen bei Olten — sparked highly publicised local opposition. In 2007, a committee formed by the SVP and…
Mühleberg: Vaud voters refuse an open-ended green light for nuclear power (consultative)
On 29 November 2009, Vaud voters are consulted on an unusual matter: the opinion the canton must give the Confederation on Bernese utility BKW's request to remo…
CEVA — the credit that launched the Léman Express (Geneva vote of 2009)
The rail link between Cornavin, Eaux-Vives and Annemasse is not a new idea: a first agreement between the Confederation, the federal railways and Geneva dates b…
Cantonal tourism law — Valais rejects the « tax version »
On 29 November 2009, Valais voters rejected the new cantonal tourism law by more than 75 % (24,78 % in favour), a year after the Grand Council had passed it. A …
“For a unified and more efficient police force” initiative (Operation D’Artagnan)
On 27 September 2009, Vaud voters rejected by 54 per cent (on a 45 per cent turnout) the popular initiative "For a unified and more efficient police force", kno…
All-day school — Article 63a of the Vaud Constitution
On 27 September 2009, Vaud voters approved, with 70.81% Yes, the addition of a new Article 63a to the cantonal Constitution devoted to the « all-day school ». T…
Popular initiative “For a unified and more efficient police” (“d’Artagnan”)
On 27 September 2009 the Vaud electorate rejected, by roughly 54 % No, the popular initiative “For a unified and more efficient police”, nicknamed the “d’Artagn…
Vaud tax reform and the “tax shield” (bouclier fiscal)
On 8 February 2009, the canton of Vaud accepted a wide-ranging tax reform: the tax shield (“bouclier fiscal”) — capping the taxation of income and wealth — pass…
Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts at Bellerive (study credit)
On 30 November 2008, Vaud voters rejected by 52.42 per cent (100,686 No against 91,385 Yes, on a 51.15 per cent turnout) the 390,000-franc study credit intended…
Initiative “Passive Smoking and Health” and counter-proposal
On 30 November 2008, the canton of Vaud accepted in one go two measures on protection from passive smoking: the popular initiative “Passive Smoking and Health” …
Popular initiative “For democratic naturalisations” (SVP)
On 1 June 2008, Swiss voters clearly rejected the SVP's popular initiative "For democratic naturalisations". Launched after a series of Federal Court rulings, t…
« Passive smoking and health » initiative — smoking ban in public places (Geneva)
On 24 February 2008, Geneva voters approved the « Passive smoking and health » initiative, banning smoking in all public places and indoor workplaces, with no o…
Initiative « 2 January and Whit Monday: public holidays for all! » (Vaud)
In spring 2003, the opening of major retailers (Coop and Migros) at the Crissier shopping centre on a Whit Monday exposed a loophole: neither Vaud law nor most …
Initiative « La parole aux communes ! » — municipal referendum (Vaud)
In the mid-2000s, the canton of Vaud thoroughly reorganised the division of tasks and funding between the state and its municipalities, notably through the EtaC…
Revision of the Asylum Act and new Foreign Nationals Act (FNA)
On 24 September 2006, Swiss voters decided on two complementary texts championed by Federal Councillor Christoph Blocher, head of the Federal Department of Just…
Popular initiative «for foods produced without genetic engineering» (GMO moratorium)
On 27 November 2005, Swiss voters approved the popular initiative «for foods produced without genetic engineering», launched in 2003 by a broad alliance of farm…
« Save Lavaux » popular initiative (the second) — the vineyards etched into the Vaud constitution
On 27 November 2005, Vaud voters decide on the second « Save Lavaux » popular initiative, launched by Franz Weber and his foundation. The backdrop is unusual: t…
Law creating a Court of Audit — revision of the Geneva Constitution
On 27 November 2005, Geneva voted on an institutional innovation that no other Swiss canton yet knew: the creation of a Court of Audit, a fully independent publ…
Extension of the free movement of persons to the 10 new EU states
On 25 September 2005, Swiss voters approved with 56.0 % the federal decree extending the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) to the ten new states …
Schengen and Dublin Agreements
On 5 June 2005, Swiss voters approved with 54.6 % the federal decree endorsing the Schengen and Dublin agreements with the European Union. Turnout reached 56.6 …
Registered partnership act (same-sex couples)
On 5 June 2005, the Swiss people accepted, by 58 % of the vote, the federal act on registered partnership for same-sex couples (PartA). With this vote, Switzerl…
«J’y vis, j’y vote» initiative — communal political rights for foreigners
On 24 April 2005, Geneva settled a question raised relentlessly since 1993: should foreign residents be allowed to vote in their municipality? In a canton where…
Vaud tax package: tax increases and the nursing-home law
In the early 2000s, Vaud's finances were emerging from a long run of deficits. To consolidate the books, the cantonal government — with Pascal Broulis (FDP/Libe…
New Fribourg cantonal Constitution
On 16 May 2004, the people of Fribourg ruled on a venture rare in Switzerland: the complete rewriting of their cantonal Constitution. The text then in force dat…
Maternity insurance — paid maternity leave
On 26 September 2004, the Swiss people finally accepted the introduction of a federal maternity insurance. The result — 55.4 % Yes — closed one of the longest s…
Vaud initiative «Sauver le Pied du Jura» (Save the Foot of the Jura)
On 16 May 2004, Vaud voters clearly rejected the popular initiative «Sauver le Pied du Jura» («Save the Foot of the Jura»), launched by environmentalist Franz W…
Eleventh revision of the OASI (AVS/AHV)
On 16 May 2004, Switzerland voted on the eleventh revision of the OASI (old-age and survivors' insurance, AVS/AHV), passed by Parliament in October 2003. The ai…
Abolition of inheritance and gift tax in the direct line (Geneva)
On 8 February 2004, Geneva voters abolished inheritance and gift tax for heirs in the direct line. Championed by the cantonal right, the initiative turned an in…
Lausanne m2 metro — cantonal participation in the financing
On 24 November 2002 Vaud voters approved, with 62% Yes, the decree granting the canton's participation in financing the Lausanne m2 metro between Ouchy and Les …
Popular initiative “against abuse of the right of asylum”
On 24 November 2002, Switzerland rejected the SVP's popular initiative "against abuse of the right of asylum" by a hair's breadth. With 49.91 % Yes, the text fe…
New Vaud Cantonal Constitution (total revision)
On 22 September 2002, Vaud voters accepted the new cantonal Constitution with 55.9% in favour. Drafted by a Constituent Assembly elected in 1999, the text repla…
New Constitution of the Canton of Vaud
On 22 September 2002, the people of Vaud adopted an entirely new cantonal constitution by 55.8% of the vote, replacing the venerable 1885 text. Turnout reached …
Electricity Market Act (EMA)
On 22 September 2002, Switzerland voted on the Electricity Market Act (EMA), passed by Parliament in December 2000. The text aimed to open the Swiss electricity…
“Oui à la région!” initiative — the Vaud-Geneva merger
On 2 June 2002, voters in Vaud and Geneva jointly buried the most ambitious institutional project French-speaking Switzerland had ever seen: the "Oui à la régio…
Time-limit solution — decriminalisation of abortion
On 2 June 2002, the Swiss people voted on decriminalising abortion during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. Since 1942, termination had in principle been all…
Switzerland’s accession to the United Nations
On 3 March 2002, the Swiss people accepted by 54.6 % Yes and 12 cantons out of 23 the popular initiative "For Switzerland's accession to the United Nations Orga…
Debt brake
On 2 December 2001, Swiss voters were asked to enshrine a «debt brake» in the Constitution. The backdrop was a financially painful decade: after the recession o…
Act on the Vaud Cantonal Bank (BCV)
At the turn of the 2000s, the canton of Vaud set out to reform its cantonal bank, the Banque Cantonale Vaudoise (BCV). The bill put to the Grand Council opened …
Popular initiative “Yes to Europe!”
On 4 March 2001, Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected the popular initiative "Yes to Europe!" with 76.85 % of the vote and every canton against. Launched by the…
The 18% initiative (for a regulation of immigration)
By the late 1990s, immigration had become a burning political issue. The resident foreign population stood at around 19% and kept rising. In May 2000 the people…
Bilateral Agreements I with the EU (referendum)
On 21 May 2000, Swiss voters approved by 67.2% the seven Bilateral Agreements I concluded with the European Union in June 1999. Only two cantons rejected the pa…
New Federal Constitution (formal update)
Adopted in 1874, the Federal Constitution was revised more than 140 times in a century. The text had become a patchwork: dated language, obsolete provisions — s…
Federal Decree on the Construction and Financing of Public Transport Infrastructure (FTP)
On 29 November 1998, the people and cantons voted on the federal decree creating the public transport fund (FTP, FinöV in German). Subject to the mandatory refe…
Federal Act on a Performance-Related Heavy Vehicle Charge (LSVA)
On 27 September 1998, Swiss voters approved by 57.2% the federal act on a performance-related heavy vehicle charge (the LSVA). The vote laid one of the cornerst…
Popular initiative ‘for the protection of life and the environment against genetic manipulation’ (Gene-Protection Initiative)
On 7 June 1998, Swiss voters rejected by 66.7% the popular initiative "for the protection of life and the environment against genetic manipulation", known as th…
Amendment to the School Act (Vaud School in Transition, EVM)
In the mid-1990s, the Vaud school system was debating its future. The Department of Education and Youth (DFJ), led by Social Democrat Jean-Jacques Schwab, propo…
Amendment of 22 March 1996 to the Federal Labour Act (Labour Act)
On 1 December 1996, Swiss voters decided on a revision of the Labour Act (LTr) passed by Parliament on 22 March 1996. The 1877 statute still banned night and Su…
Geneva harbour crossing (bridge and tunnel) — the double no of 1996
For over a century Geneva has dreamed of linking its two shores by something other than the Mont-Blanc bridge. As early as 1988, Geneva voters had accepted the …
10th revision of the OASI (AVS)
On 25 June 1995, Swiss voters accepted the 10th revision of the old-age and survivors' insurance (OASI/AVS) by 60.71 % of the vote — in a referendum launched ag…
Anti-racism criminal norm (Art. 261bis of the Criminal Code)
In the early 1990s, Switzerland was not spared the resurgence of xenophobic and revisionist rhetoric sweeping across Europe. Desecration of Jewish cemeteries, n…
Federal Health Insurance Act (LAMal)
On 4 December 1994, the Swiss people narrowly accepted the new federal law on health insurance (LAMal), with 51.80% yes and a turnout of 43.98%. The text, the p…
Federal Act on Coercive Measures in Immigration Law
On 4 December 1994, in the middle of a decade of sharply rising asylum applications and against the backdrop of the Balkan wars, Swiss voters approved by 72.9% …
Facilitated naturalisation of young foreigners
On 12 June 1994, the Swiss people and cantons voted on a federal decree revising the citizenship rules in the Constitution. The goal: to make it easier to natur…
Creation of a Swiss blue helmets corps
On 12 June 1994, the same day as the vote on facilitated naturalisation, the Swiss people voted on a federal law creating a contingent of Swiss "blue helmets" f…
Alpine Initiative (protection of the Alpine region from transit traffic)
On 20 February 1994, Switzerland springs a surprise. Against the advice of the Federal Council and Parliament, the people narrowly accept the «Alpine Initiative…
Federal decree on the financial regime (introduction of VAT)
On 28 November 1993, Switzerland votes on a reform as technical as it is decisive: replacing the old turnover tax, dating from the Second World War, with a Euro…
Popular initiative «for a Switzerland without new fighter jets» (F/A-18)
On 6 June 1993, six months after the «no» to the European Economic Area, Switzerland returns to the ballot box on a question that touches the heart of its ident…
Switzerland’s accession to the European Economic Area (EEA)
In the early 1990s, Europe is changing. The European Economic Community (EEC) is preparing its single market for 1993 and negotiating with the countries of the …