country own vast amounts of money, while others struggle to pay their health insurance premiums and their rent. This cannot be right.” Public service for all – emphatically rejected There was also a thumping defeat for the authors of an initiative calling for a revamp of Switzerland’s conscription system that would have widened the concept of military/ civilian service and obliged all Swiss citizens to do public service of benefit to the community and the environment (see “Swiss Review” 4/2025). The idea failed to gain any traction at all, with 84.1 percent of the electorate voting no. The “Fifth Switzerland” also expressed clear opposition to the proposal, with 76.5 percent against. For Noémie Roten, who co-authored and drove the initiative, the result shows “how difficult it is for a small grassroots campaign to take on the entire political establishment”. Indeed, the idea of broadening the definition of military/civilian service came under fire from various quarters: the left bemoaned the mandatory nature of the scheme, which would have also applied to women, while the right were worried that the notion of public service for all would erode the concept of traditional military service. Besides, the conservative parties want more, not fewer, young men to do military service. This is because, since civilian service was introduced in 1996, a growing proportion of men have opted out of the military in favour of the alternative. In autumn 2025, parliament passed a bill to make civilian service less attractive – by increasing its duration, among other things. Switzerland’s civilian service association, Civiva, and the SP and Greens consequently launched a referendum petition to contest the bill. If they get enough signatures, voters will again have the last word. No to inheritance tax for the super-rich: 0 5 1015202530354045 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 33,4% The “Initiative for a future”, proposing an inheritance tax for the super-rich, was met with a firm no from 78.3 percent of the electorate. The “Fifth Switzerland” also voted no, albeit less emphatically (66.6 percent). Not a single canton voted yes. Swiss Abroad “No to inheritance tax for the super-rich” – yes votes in percent No to public service for all: 0 5 1015202530354045 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 23,5% The popular initiative calling for a revamp of Switzerland’s conscription system and the introduction of a new civilian service for all was rejected by an overwhelming 84.1 percent. The “Fifth Switzerland” also voted no, with 76.5 percent against. All cantons opposed the idea. Swiss Abroad “No to public service for all” – yes votes in percent Noémie Roten (middle) and her team put on a brave face, but their campaign to revamp Switzerland’s conscription system ended in disappointment. Photo: Keystone Swiss Review / February 2026 / No.1 23
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