Swiss Voters Say No to Required National Service for Women

Swiss Voters Reject National Service for Women

GENEVA – On Sunday, Swiss voters decisively turned down a proposal to make national service mandatory for women in military or civil protection roles, a requirement already placed on men.

According to the official results, a majority of Swiss cantons rejected the Citizen Services Initiative. This outcome was significant since the proposal needed to gain support from both voters and states to pass, and some regions are still counting.

Additionally, another suggested measure to impose a national tax on private donations and inheritances over 50 million francs (about $62 million) was also dismissed. The revenue from this tax was intended to help combat climate change and assist Switzerland in achieving its net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050.

Proponents of the National Service Plan believed that extending employment opportunities in areas like environmental protection and aged care could foster social cohesion.

However, many lawmakers voiced concerns regarding the associated costs and the potential economic impact of removing numerous young individuals from the workforce.

The national service proposal emerged amid discussions in other European nations considering ways to reinforce their militaries, especially given rising fears of threats from Russia beyond the Ukraine conflict.

In Switzerland, young individuals are already obliged to serve in the military or civil protection roles. Those who object on conscientious grounds can undertake alternative service but must pay a fee if they choose to opt out entirely. Each year, approximately 35,000 men fulfill their compulsory military duties.

The proposed initiative aimed to extend mandatory national service to all Swiss citizens, even though women currently have the choice to participate voluntarily. It sought to redefine national security roles beyond just the military and civil protection.

Supporters highlighted various risks, such as landslides, flooding, cyberattacks, energy shortages, and war in Europe, arguing that the initiative would make everyone accountable for securing a “stronger Switzerland capable of navigating crises.”

In contrast, the government maintained that there were sufficient personnel in both military and civil defense and that unnecessary recruitment should be avoided.

While some view compulsory service for women as a move towards gender equality, others argue it could add strain to women who already manage significant unpaid responsibilities, including household duties and caregiving.

The government also opposed the introduction of new taxes on large donations and inheritances, cautioning that such regulations might drive some of Switzerland’s wealthiest individuals to relocate. A proposed tax rate of 50% would apply to amounts surpassing 50 million francs ($62 million).