Swiss Vote on Plan to Make Women Do National Service

Swiss voters are casting ballots to decide whether women, like men, must do national service in the military, civil protection teams, or in other forms, Jamey Keaten reported for the Associated Press (AP).

While initial polls suggested a tight contest, a more recent survey showed the initiative was on track to fail. (Photo: Schweizer Armee Facebook)

Supporters of the “citizen service initiative” in the referendum ending hope it will boost social cohesion by adding jobs in areas like environmental protection, food security, and elderly care.

Parliament overwhelmingly opposes the idea, mainly for cost reasons and out of concern that it could crimp the economy by taking tens of thousands of young people out of the workforce.

While initial polls suggested a tight contest, a more recent survey showed the initiative was on track to fail.

The vote gives an indication of how the European populace views mandatory national duty at a time when there are worries about the possible spillover of Russia’s war in Ukraine and other potential disruptions.

“By proposing a national service for all young people, the initiative responds to exactly what we need: that everybody takes responsibility to work for a stronger Switzerland that’s able to stand up to crises,” supporters argued.