Swiss initiatives on national service and future policy lose momentum before vote

A once-promising push for universal national service now struggles to win hearts. Will either proposal survive the ballot box?

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2025 November 19 . 3:09 AM

1 min read

This image is clicked on the roads. To the left, there is ambulance. To the right, there is a tent... — This image is clicked on the roads. To the left, there is ambulance. To the right, there is a tent under which many people are standing. There is also table and chair in the right of the image.

Swiss initiatives on national service and future policy lose momentum before vote

Two major Swiss initiatives face strong opposition ahead of the November 30 referendum. Recent polling shows declining support for both proposals, with neither securing a majority in any canton. The Service Citoyen and Initiative for a Future now appear unlikely to pass.

The Service Citoyen initiative, which would introduce universal national service, has seen its backing fall from 31% in early October to just 24%. A YouGov Switzerland survey, conducted between October 30 and November 17 with 3,304 respondents, reflects this shift. Critics argue the plan could force unwanted obligations on citizens and interfere with personal freedoms.

With voting set for November 30, both proposals face an uphill battle. The latest figures suggest neither will secure the necessary backing to become law. The results will determine whether either initiative gains traction in future debates.