Swiss Voters Reject Mandatory Service for Women and Climate Tax Initiative

On Sunday, Swiss voters rejected the initiative for mandatory national service for women in the armed forces, civil defence, and other forms of service, noting that such an obligation already exists for men.

Official results, despite the lengthy vote tally in some regions after the referendum, showed that more than half of the cantons rejected the “civil service” initiative by a majority. This meant its defeat, as passage required a majority both among voters and among cantons.

Voters also rejected a separate proposal to introduce a new national tax on large donations or inheritances above 50 million francs (approximately 62 million dollars), with the proceeds intended to be used to combat the effects of climate change and help Switzerland reach its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

Proponents of the plan argued that it would boost social cohesion by creating jobs in environmental protection, food security, and elderly care.

However, legislators opposed this initiative mainly because of costs and concerns that it could harm the economy by distracting many young people from work.

The initiative appeared as other European countries seek ways to bolster their armed forces in response to rising concerns about potential threats from Russia beyond the war in Ukraine.

Context and reaction

Neutral Switzerland already obliges young men to undertake military service or join civil defence. Conscientious objectors can opt for alternative forms of service, and those who refuse to serve can pay the full exemption. Each year about 35,000 men participate in mandatory service.

The failed initiative envisioned mandatory national service for all citizens – women could join on voluntary grounds – and broadened the concept of national security beyond military service and civil defence.

“Avalanches in the mountains, floods in the plains, cyberattacks, risks of power outages or war in Europe.”

“Although mandatory military service for women could be considered a ‘step toward gender equality,’ this idea, in the government’s view, ‘would place an additional burden on many women who already bear a significant portion of unpaid work raising and caring for children and loved ones, as well as domestic duties.’”

Switzerland holds national referendums four times a year, giving voters direct influence over policy.

This event demonstrates how, in a country known for its exemplary direct democracy, public expectations and legislators’ actions can diverge, and it underscores the active participation of citizens in the country’s political life.