Switzerland Moves to Lift Nuclear Power Ban.
Switzerland’s parliament has approved a major shift in national energy policy by backing a proposal that would allow the construction of new nuclear power stations, marking a significant reversal of the country’s long-standing nuclear phase-out strategy.
The decision follows a positive vote in the Senate and was later confirmed by the House of Representatives, which supported a government counter-proposal linked to the “Stop the Blackout” popular initiative. As a result, Swiss voters will now decide on both the initiative and the counter-proposal in an upcoming national ballot.
The approved amendment to the energy law effectively opens the door to lifting the ban on new nuclear power plants, a restriction that had been in place as part of Switzerland’s earlier commitment to phase out nuclear energy.
During parliamentary debates, Energy Minister Albert Rösti stressed the importance of maintaining nuclear power as an option to ensure long-term energy security. He argued that Switzerland must diversify its energy sources to guarantee a stable electricity supply in the future.
The proposal received strong support from right-leaning and centrist political parties, while left-wing parties opposed the move, raising concerns about safety, environmental risks, and long-term waste management.
The Green Party has already announced plans to push for a referendum, signaling that the issue is likely to become a major political debate across the country in the coming months.
The final decision will now rest with Swiss voters, who will determine whether nuclear energy should return as part of Switzerland’s future energy strategy or remain excluded under existing policy.
