Swiss Voters to Decide on Controversial Universal Citizen Service Initiative
Swiss voters will soon decide the fate of the Service citoyen initiative, a proposal that aims to address personnel shortages in various sectors while promoting gender equality. The ballot box is the place where this progress can be influenced, with around 50 percent of the Swiss population supporting the initiative.
The initiative, which proposes mandatory citizen service for both men and women, has sparked debate among political parties. Most parties now oppose the mandatory aspect due to concerns about workplace absences, existing unpaid care work, and potential forced labor. This shift in stance highlights the lack of a future-oriented vision among Swiss party politics regarding universal service obligations.
Supporters of the initiative, however, argue that it could provide twice as many people for critical assignments, allowing the federal government to set priorities. They point to successful models in other countries, such as Sweden and Norway, which have long had universal service obligations. Even the governing CDU in Germany is exploring a 'societal year' for all. In Switzerland, the French party Renaissance (formerly La République En Marche!) is the only major party advocating for the introduction of universal citizen service.
The Service citoyen initiative, aiming to address personnel shortages and promote gender equality, faces opposition from most Swiss political parties. Despite this, half of the Swiss population supports the proposal. Voters will have the final say, with the potential to influence the progress of this initiative at the ballot box.
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