Swiss Review / February 2022 / No.1 14 Politics EVEL INE RUTZ “Applause is not enough” rang the slogan a fewmonths ago, as nurses campaigned for better working conditions. The majority of Swiss voters share this view, after some 61 per cent approved the “Strong healthcare” initiative on 28 November 2021 (see also “Swiss Review” 5/2021). The Swiss Abroad were also clearly in favour, with 58.3 voting yes. This result is remarkable in a number of ways. A trade union proposal has succeeded at the ballot box for the firstever time at national level. It is also only the 24th popular initiative that has been passed since the birth of the modern federal Swiss state, attracting an unusually high level of support and democratic participation. Voter turnout was 65.3 per cent – the fourth highest since 1971, when the electorate approved the introduction of women’s suffrage. The Covid-19Act was another reasonwhy somany people voted – this matter was also included on the ballot paper after being the subject of heated debate. The public has voted to give nurses more than just a round of applause Swiss nurses want better working conditions, more autonomy and greater recognition. The public has listened to them. The “Strong healthcare” initiative, championed by the Swiss Professional Association of Nurses (SBK-ASI), scored a historic referendum victory at the end of November. Implementation is the next challenge. Covid numbers began to surge again before the polls, reminding voters of the important job that nurses do. This contributed to the resounding yes vote. Photo: Keystone
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