National Council debates environmental responsibility initiative
Published: Monday, Jun 3rd 2024, 04:50
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On Monday, the National Council will discuss the environmental responsibility initiative launched by the Young Greens. This initiative aims to anchor environmental protection more firmly in the constitution. The preliminary committee fears disadvantages for the economy.
The popular initiative "For a responsible economy within the planetary boundaries (environmental responsibility initiative)" calls for a constitutional article according to which environmental protection is now the top priority in Switzerland. Switzerland's environmental impact is to be reduced within ten years in such a way that the planetary boundaries are respected.
The majority of the Committee for the Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy (Urek-N) has voted against the initiative. In the opinion of the majority, this would interfere too much with economic freedom and jeopardize prosperity. Switzerland would choose to go it alone and risk competitive disadvantages.
The red-green minority wants to accept the initiative or request a direct counter-proposal, i.e. also a constitutional article. It wants to adopt the initiative text but waive the implementation period of ten years. A long debate is expected. More than 50 individual speakers have registered.
The Federal Council rejects the request and does not want a counter-proposal. It refers to the various existing provisions in the Federal Constitution that would guarantee sustainable development. The initiative would lead to "serious interference in the freedom of choice of individuals", wrote the government.
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