The Art of Losing: How Swiss Politicians Cope with Referendum Defeats

Losing a referendum in Switzerland, as in life, is a difficult art to master. Recent political history reveals that while winning is easy, accepting defeat requires a nuanced approach, often mirroring the five stages of grief identified by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross.

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We are talking in particular about the cities.

Denial is a common first reaction. After the 2021 Justice Initiative failed, its proponent Adrian Gasser demanded a repeat vote, claiming the public was misinformed. Similarly, the 'Mass-voll' movement declared the COVID-19 law's result 'not binding' for them, despite facing fines for non-compliance.

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The result is 'not binding for us'.

Anger, or 'trötzelen' as it's colloquially known, is another frequent response. Following the rejection of the 10-million-initiative, an SVP national councilor suggested that cantons opposing it should accept more asylum seekers. This echoes former SP leader Christian Levrat's 2014 frustration after the mass immigration initiative passed, proposing smaller immigration quotas for rural cantons. More extreme reactions include FC Sion's president Christian Constantin calling for a 'Wexit' after the second homes initiative passed, and Paul Accola suggesting the release of snakes and crocodiles into Lake Zurich to deter Zurich residents.

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Cantons that rejected the 10-million-initiative should now take in more asylum seekers than the yes-cantons.

Bargaining is also observed, as seen when the defeated CVP party, after the second homes vote, immediately demanded state compensation for lost tourism revenue. These varied reactions highlight the emotional and often dramatic responses that can follow electoral setbacks in Swiss politics.

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We demand a Wexit, the secession of Wallis from Switzerland.