Swiss voters approve civil service reform, mandate 150-day minimum service

Swiss voters have approved a reform of the civil service law, tightening the criteria for conscientious objectors. The reform mandates that individuals opting for alternative civilian service must now complete a minimum of 150 service days.

The decision saw a majority, estimated at nearly 53 percent, vote in favor of the reform, aligning with the recommendations of the Federal Council and Parliament. This outcome contrasts with the opposition's campaign, which used slogans like "Hands off civil service."

Regional differences were notable, with German-speaking cantons largely supporting the reform, except for Basel-Stadt. Conversely, the referendum committee found more sympathy in the French-speaking regions, where several cantons rejected the proposal with significant majorities.

Political scientist Lukas Golder suggested that the civil service reform's passage was significantly overshadowed by the "No Ten Million Switzerland" initiative. Many voters, unfamiliar with the specifics of the civil service reform, reportedly followed the government's lead. Golder also cited "geopolitical uncertainty" as a contributing factor, with a segment of the population viewing a strengthened military as necessary given the global situation. Despite the reform, Golder noted that civilian service remains popular, and the narrow margin of the "yes" vote may reflect concerns about weakening the system.