Di, Jun 4th 2024
The National Council decisively rejects the Young Greens’ environmental responsibility initiative and its counter-proposal, citing economic and social concerns.
The Swiss environmental responsibility initiative, launched by the Young Greens, faced significant opposition in the National Council. The SVP, FDP, Center, and GLP parties rejected both the initiative and a direct counter-proposal.
Nicolo Paganini (Center/SG) warned that accepting the initiative would lead to unprecedented “destruction of prosperity.” Mike Egger (SVP/SG) labeled the initiative “anti-liberal,” highlighting potential job losses and increased costs for companies due to stricter domestic requirements.
Simone de Montmollin (FDP/GE) argued that economic growth and social justice should not be jeopardized, stating that economic sustainability is already enshrined in the Federal Constitution. The real issue, Paganini noted, was the ten-year implementation period, likening it to conditions in less developed countries.
The SP parliamentary group supported a counter-proposal, identical to the initiative but without a set deadline. Jon Pult (GR) emphasized the need to ensure future generations can still utilize resources. Franziska Ryser (Greens/SG) warned of the high costs of continuing current practices, advocating for a policy shift away from GDP-based measures.
Ultimately, the National Council voted 129 to 60 against the initiative, with two abstentions, and rejected the counter-proposal by 125 votes to 63, with one abstention. The Federal Council had also opposed the initiative, citing severe economic consequences and restrictions on individual freedoms.
The Council of States will next debate the initiative, as proponents argue that the current level of resource overuse is unsustainable and necessitates a fundamental change in Switzerland’s economic and social policies.
©Keystone/SDA
German 
English 
French 
Spanish 
Arabic