Swiss Committee Backs Double Majority for EU Deal.

A parliamentary committee in Switzerland has supported a proposal requiring a double-majority vote—both of the people and the cantons—for the approval of the upcoming Swiss–EU agreement package.

The proposal, backed by the House of Representatives’ Committee of Political Institutions, reflects growing political debate over how major international agreements should be ratified within Switzerland’s direct democratic system.

The committee approved the plan by 15 votes to 10, stating that the agreement’s importance and constitutional implications justify a higher level of democratic approval.

Under the proposed system, the bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the European Union would need not only a majority of voters but also a majority of cantonal approval to be adopted.

The idea aligns with Switzerland’s tradition of direct democracy, where major constitutional or highly significant national decisions often require approval from both citizens and cantons.

At the same time, lawmakers are also exploring an alternative approach known as a “sui generis” referendum model, which would be a unique voting mechanism tailored specifically for this agreement package. The committee has requested further examination of this option, which was supported by a 16–9 vote.

The debate highlights the political sensitivity surrounding Switzerland’s relationship with the European Union and the constitutional questions linked to future bilateral cooperation.

Swiss Expert Rejects “10 Million Population” Fear Claim.

A Swiss population expert has stated that Switzerland is unlikely to reach the controversial 10 million population threshold, even as political debate intensifies over immigration and population growth limits.

The discussion has been driven by a proposal titled “No to 10 Million Switzerland,” supported by the Swiss People’s Party, which aims to restrict population growth by limiting immigration into the country.

The initiative has gained significant public attention and is scheduled for a nationwide vote on June 14. The proposal argues that Switzerland should take stronger measures to prevent population growth from exceeding 10 million, mainly through tighter immigration controls.

However, a population specialist has challenged these concerns, stating that Switzerland is unlikely to reach the 10 million mark under current demographic trends. The expert’s remarks directly question the assumptions behind the initiative and its long-term projections.

The debate reflects broader tensions in Swiss politics over immigration, labor needs, housing pressure, and national identity. While supporters of the initiative emphasize limits on population growth, critics argue that Switzerland’s economy depends heavily on skilled migration.

As the vote approaches, the issue is expected to remain a central topic in Swiss political discourse, with strong opinions on both sides regarding the future direction of the country’s population policy.

Swiss March 8 Vote Campaigns Cost CHF11 Million.

Political campaigns linked to Switzerland’s March 8 national votes cost a total of CHF10.7 million, according to final figures released by the Swiss Federal Audit Office.

The published data revealed that actual campaign spending exceeded the budgets initially announced before the vote by around 22%, reflecting stronger political mobilisation and advertising efforts during the campaign period.

The largest share of spending focused on the SBC initiative concerning Switzerland’s radio and television licence fee. Campaigns related to this proposal alone accounted for approximately CHF7.5 million.

Opponents of the initiative declared spending around CHF5.7 million, while supporters reported approximately CHF1.8 million in campaign costs. The proposal was ultimately rejected by voters.

The SBC initiative aimed to reduce the national radio and television licence fee to CHF200 and eliminate mandatory corporate contributions. Supporters argued the changes would reduce financial pressure on households and businesses, while opponents warned the cuts could weaken public broadcasting services in Switzerland.

Switzerland’s system of direct democracy often involves intensive public campaigns ahead of nationwide votes, with political groups, organisations, and industry associations investing heavily in advertising and outreach efforts.

The latest figures highlight the growing financial scale of political campaigning in Switzerland, particularly for issues related to media, public services, and national policy reforms.