Swiss GMO-Free Food Initiative Leads to Legal Complaint

A Swiss popular initiative aimed at introducing GMO-free food standards has failed after not reaching the required threshold of 100,000 valid signatures, according to the Federal Chancellery.

The initiative, known as “For GMO-free food,” underwent a recount and verification process. Out of approximately 98,000 certified signatures, around 96,200 were confirmed as valid, falling short of the constitutional requirement.

Following the official announcement, the Federal Chancellery declared the initiative unsuccessful, stating that the required minimum number of valid signatures had not been achieved.

However, the initiative committee strongly disputed the outcome. The association described the decision as “baffling” and claimed that evidence from more than 240 local municipalities suggests that at least 5,000 additional valid signatures had been certified.

According to the committee, this discrepancy raises serious concerns about missing signatures and the accuracy of the verification process. The group argues that sufficient valid support may still exist for the initiative to proceed.

In response to the situation, the association has filed a criminal complaint with the Office of the Attorney General. The complaint requests an investigation into possible offences, including suppression of documents, electoral or referendum fraud, and abuse of official authority.

The committee also expressed concern that the situation may have led to the restriction of political rights for thousands of citizens who supported the initiative.

The Federal Chancellery has been criticised by the association for not conducting further investigations and for allegedly failing to consider evidence submitted by local municipalities before reaching its final decision.

The case highlights ongoing tensions in Switzerland’s direct democracy system, where citizen-led initiatives play a key role in shaping national policy but are subject to strict procedural requirements.